North Korea debuts expansive beach resort to bolster tourism industry
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, dubbed "North Korea's Waikiki" by South Korean media, has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step in the country's tourism industry. This large-scale resort complex, located on North Korea's eastern coast, is designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 visitors and offers a variety of amenities, including hotels, water parks, restaurants, and recreational activities.
The resort's intended purpose and potential impact are multifaceted. One of its key aims is to boost the tourism industry, which is one of the few revenue streams not targeted by UN sanctions. The resort is primarily aimed at attracting Russian tourists, reflecting Pyongyang’s strategic focus on closer ties with Russia while maintaining limited access to Western tourists. Tourism is viewed as a tool to revitalize North Korea’s struggling economy by generating foreign currency and improving infrastructure.
The opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort could have several potential impacts. Strengthening ties with Russia is one such effect, as the promotion of bilateral tourism cooperation and the restarting of transport links, such as the direct train service between Pyongyang and Moscow, align with broader political and economic isolation from the West while deepening North Korea-Russia relations.
Economically, tourism at Wonsan Kalma could provide a significant boost by attracting paying visitors, creating jobs, and increasing domestic spending in the hospitality and service sectors. However, the full economic benefits depend on future border policies and international relations.
In terms of the tourism industry, the resort represents a "new era" in North Korean tourism with large-scale facilities and modern amenities. It may mark a gradual reopening of the tourism sector after pandemic restrictions, albeit with cautious access to foreigners, and serve as a showcase for North Korea's efforts to modernize and diversify its tourism offerings.
Before the pandemic, the number of foreign tourists in North Korea was extremely limited, with Chinese tourists making up about 90% of visitors and only about 5,000 western tourists being allowed. The borders of North Korea were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since reopened to visitors.
Notably, the resort is one of Kim Jong Un's pet projects, and analysts say he is very keen on developing the tourism industry, especially coastal areas. Kim Jong Un, his daughter Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju were seen visiting the resort before its opening.
Russian tourists are expected to visit the resort from July 7 for an 8-day trip which includes a visit to Pyongyang. The resort can accommodate nearly 20,000 people but is likely to remain small in scale, accommodating around 170 visitors per day due to limited transportation via Pyongyang.
The construction of the Wonsan Kalma resort was reportedly aided by Pyongyang receiving aid from Russia, allegedly in exchange for assistance with Moscow's war in Ukraine. This development underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
In conclusion, the Wonsan Kalma resort is a strategic project to enhance North Korea’s tourism infrastructure, bolster the economy, and deepen ties with selective foreign partners, chiefly Russia, while the country remains largely closed to Western tourists. The resort's success will likely depend on several factors, including international relations, border policies, and the appeal of the resort to potential visitors.
- The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, dubbed "North Korea's Waikiki" by South Korean media, is a significant step in the country's tourism industry, aimed at boosting revenue streams not targeted by UN sanctions.
- The resort, designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 visitors, is primarily aimed at attracting Russian tourists, reflecting Pyongyang’s strategic focus on closer ties with Russia while maintaining limited access to Western tourists.
- The opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort could potentially improve North Korea’s struggling economy by generating foreign currency and improving infrastructure, as tourism is viewed as a tool for economic revitalization.
- The construction of the Wonsan Kalma resort was allegedly aided by Pyongyang receiving aid from Russia, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
- The resort represents a new era in North Korean tourism with large-scale facilities and modern amenities, potentially marking a gradual reopening of the tourism sector after pandemic restrictions and serving as a showcase for North Korea’s efforts to modernize and diversify its tourism offerings.
