North Korea's New Beach Resort: A Glimpse into a Controlled Paradise

North Korea has revealed a grand beach resort, though global visitors may not be flocking anytime soon. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, situated on the eastern coast, showcases approximately 400 buildings, including high-rise hotels, villas, and amenities for around 20,000 guests. The complex also includes a water park, gym, concert hall, and more.

A Vision for Tourism

This project is part of Kim Jong Un's ambition to boost North Korea's economy through tourism. However, the country's strict isolation and military focus have posed significant challenges. After nearly a decade of construction, the resort finally opened its doors to domestic tourists this week.

Foreign Tourists: A Distant Dream?

Will international visitors follow? Unlikely. North Korea has always been cautious about allowing outsiders, and the pandemic has only reinforced this stance. Recently, a small group of Western tourists was permitted entry, but the country closed its borders again after just three weeks.

Russians as Potential Visitors

Russians might be the first foreign visitors to the new resort. North Korea has been strengthening ties with Russia, and a Russian ambassador was invited to the resort's completion ceremony. However, the number of Russian tourists is minimal compared to the hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists who used to visit annually.

Expert Skepticism

Experts remain skeptical about North Korea's tourism ambitions. Poor infrastructure, heavy restrictions on foreign visitors, and geopolitical instability are significant hurdles. Moreover, around 60% of North Koreans live in poverty, raising questions about who will benefit from this luxury resort.

Kim Jong Un's Optimism

Despite these challenges, Kim Jong Un is optimistic. He praised North Korea's "unique political stability" and plans to build more large tourist resorts based on the Kalma project's success. Only time will tell if this vision becomes a reality.