North Korea's Luxe Resort That Once Hosted Foreign Tourists Now Bars Them

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-07-18 17:51:53 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-22 21:26:20

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North Korea has unexpectedly barred foreign tourists from the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a gleaming resort that received its first batch of Russian visitors earlier this month.

The resort, located in the eastern region of the country, is a centerpiece of Kim Jong Un's plan to develop the nation's tourism industry as part of economic reforms. However, according to the Russian news outlet RT News, the restriction on foreign tourists came days after the resort's maiden visit by Russian tourists.

A source from Russia's embassy in Pyongyang told RT News that the ban, which took effect on October 15, is likely due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Top North Korean health officials recently claimed that the country was coronavirus-free, but the source said masks were compulsory in Wonsan, suggesting concerns over COVID-19.

We dont know when the ban will be lifted, the source said. They said it was a decision made because of the pandemic but we dont know any more details.

This development marks a surprising change in strategy for North Korea, which, under Kim Jong Un, has steadily developed the nation's tourism industry as a source of revenue and as part of a plan to become a "powerful and prosperous" nation by 2040.

North Korea opened a visa office in Moscow last year and offered free guided tours to Russian tourists in August as part of a pilot project.

The move highlights the unpredictability of the totalitarian country's regime and its approach to foreign tourism, which has been increasingly touted as a key revenue source.

The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a $350 million resort, boasts hotels, beaches, and amusement parks and is reportedly equipped with satellite internet services. It was opened in May and visited by Kim Jong Un, who called it a "miracle of creation" and "a masterpiece of modern civilization."

Closing remarks:

The barring of foreign tourists from Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is a surprising move for North Korea, which has touted tourism as a key revenue source and pillar of its economic growth strategy.

The country has recently taken steps to woo Russian tourists, who have reportedly been offered deep discounts on travel packages.

This development highlights the unpredictable nature of the North Korean regime and its approach to foreign tourism.

It's worth noting that the ban, allegedly due to COVID-19 concerns, comes amid growing uncertainty over the status of the pandemic in the country.

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