In brief
North Korea has opened the Wonsan Kalma seaside resort this week, a project spearheaded by Kim Jong-un in a bid to revitalize tourism amidst stringent sanctions and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Despite a grand launch and local tourist attendance, foreign visitors remain significantly absent, sidelined mainly due to travel restrictions.
The Wonsan Kalma resort, with a capacity of 20,000 guests, has been hailed as one of Kim's most significant attempts to boost tourism on the country's central east coast. According to state media, North Korean families filled the scenic 2.5-mile beach upon its opening, creating an atmosphere of joy and optimism. Kim and his family celebrated the completion of this ambitious project last month, reflecting the regime's push to cultivate tourism as a vital source of income after facing harsh international sanctions imposed since 2017.In an effort to enhance the area, the government transformed Kalma Beach from a military site, once littered with artillery, into a modern resort featuring water parks and high-rise hotels. Local media have even drawn comparisons between it and Hawaii's popular Waikiki Beach. However, the hope for foreign tourists, especially from China, is still unfulfilled as ongoing pandemic measures restrict travel. Consequently, the resort currently caters predominantly to domestic tourists amid an uncertain international climate.
