North Korea Plans to Become a Top Destination for Russian Sunseekers

north korea - North Korea aims to attract Russian tourists to its newly built beach resort in an effort to boost tourism in the repressive dictatorship.

North Korea is planning to position itself as a destination for carefree sun and sea tourism by 2025, as evident from images released of the new Kalma resort, which took ten years to build. President Kim Jong-un visited the seaside town with his daughter Ju-ae, inspecting hotel rooms and receiving briefings from officials. The resort is expected to have around 7,000 hotel rooms, with the first tourists potentially being welcomed in June. The construction was delayed multiple times due to international sanctions, the pandemic, and scarcity of building materials. Initially targeting Chinese tourists, North Korea is now looking to attract Russian visitors, following a signing of a cooperation agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang that includes promoting mutual tourism. Charter flights are also set to increase between the two countries.

Western tourists, on the other hand, are not likely to be interested in North Korea solely for beach tourism. Despite hopes of economic growth from the resort, the nation's political stability may be a draw, especially amid the recent political turmoil in South Korea. Kim envisions hosting top conferences and friendly state leader receptions at the resort's most luxurious hotel. The resort, resembling Mediterranean destinations, is situated on North Korea's east coast near Wonsan. Kim has also expressed interest in developing winter sports tourism, having ordered the construction of a ski resort near the Chinese border.