North Korea has announced a temporary ban on foreign tourists entering the newly launched Wonsan-Kalma tourist complex, a flagship resort that Kim Jong Un touted as a significant achievement for the year. This decision has raised concerns about the future of the resort, which is designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 visitors. The ban was communicated through the DPR Korea Tour website operated by North Korean tourism officials, which did not specify the reasons or duration of the restriction.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort initially welcomed domestic tourists and a limited number of Russian visitors in July, sparking speculation that it might soon cater to Chinese tourists. The recent prohibition comes in the wake of a visit from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who met with top North Korean officials at the complex. North Korea has notably increased its collaboration with Russia in military and operational capacities, further solidified through commitments from Lavrov to encourage Russian tourism at the site.
Despite overtures to attract Russian visitors, experts suggest that the ban might stem from concerns over a recent article by a Russian reporter, which implied that North Korean personnel at the resort were not representative of genuine tourist activity. Analysts indicate that the North Korean regime might have recognised potential adverse repercussions from opening the resort prematurely. While some reports suggest the ban could apply to all foreign tourists, it’s believed that Russian visitors might still be permitted.
Analysts express doubt over attracting Russian tourists due to the perceived distance and cost of travel to North Korea. However, given the significant investments made in the resort, there are suggestions that the ban will not linger. Without foreign visitors bringing in revenue, the resort’s viability could be jeopardised. With Kim previously declaring this initiative as a cornerstone of tourism development for the country, the urgency to reopen the Wonsan-Kalma complex to international tourists remains.
North Korea’s state media reported that domestic turnout at the resort has been high. The prospect of international tourism remains uncertain, with the country gradually easing COVID-19 restrictions yet failing to announce a full resumption of foreign travel. Chinese group tours, which accounted for over 90% of pre-pandemic visitors, remain suspended. This situation reflects both the ongoing complexities in international relations and the economic challenges facing North Korea as it navigates its tourism ambitions.