North Korea opened a large seaside resort called Wonsan-Kalma. The state media described this as “the national city of tourism at the treasure level”. Kim Jong Un begins it.
The center includes water parks and high -rise hotels. It can host nearly 20,000 guests, CNN reported. It is located on the east coast of North Korea and is connected by a newly open train station and an international airport. The location suggests North Korea’s plans to attract foreign visitors, especially the Russians.
Only Russian officials took part in the opening and showed stronger ties to North Korea with Moscow and increasing isolation from the West. While the country faces serious hunger and suffering, according to CNN, this rich project is promoted as evidence of Kim’s care for his people.
Kim Jong Un statements that North Korea will soon expand the tourism zones and build large tourist and cultural places across the country.
Kim visited Wonsan-Kalma at least seven times. Supremo led the work alone and focused on the highest global standards.
In December 2024, after almost five years of closing the Covid boundaries, North Korea reopened the northern city of Samjiyon for tourists. Tours in China have confirmed these reports.
The 2020 shutdown led to a large lack of food due to stopped imports and global sanctions. Travel companies expect other cities like pyongyang to be reopened as soon as the restriction makes it easier.
Yet foreign tourist visits to North Korea remain strictly controlled. The past Russian tourists had to follow many rules, including limited photography and participation in organized performances.
Experts believe that the resort can soon welcome Russian visitors. According to CNN, Kim’s image focus on tourism and continues his defense policy.
The new Wonsan-Kalma resort is expected to serve elite officials from Pyongyang, not the general public. Experts say the project shows that Kim Jong Unims are to strengthen the economy through tourism.
North Korea’s tourism plans
In the 1990s, North Korea Mount Kumgang opened for South Korean visitors, considered a rare step towards peace. It visited about two million tourists and brought money.
However, the tours stopped after the South Korean visitor to enter the limited area was shot in 2008. In 2022, many buildings in the region were demolished after Kim called them outdated.
“The initial goal of this resort will be a privileged domestic elite of Pyongyang, such as party officials and other high-ranking characters,” CNN quoted Professor Lim Eul-chul.
“Wonsan-Kalma’s ceremony reflects the vision of Kim Jong Un” socialist civilization “and is part of his strategic efforts to look for economic breakthroughs through tourism,” Lim added.
(Tagstotranslate) southern Korea
