Wonsan Kalma Resort Opens Its Doors to First Russian Tourists Amid Controversy

The Wonsan Kalma resort, opened by Kim Jong Un, has attracted its first Russian tourists this week, but concerns about the harsh treatment of construction workers and the lack of transparency surrounding its development persist. With ambitions to draw one million visitors from Russia and China, the resort highlights the country's tightening ties with the Kremlin amidst ongoing international sanctions.

North Korea has recently welcomed its first group of Russian tourists to the new Wonsan Kalma resort, a project that has faced significant criticism from human rights organizations due to reported abuses during its construction. The resort was inaugurated last month by Kim Jong Un, who claimed it would become a "world-class tourist and cultural destination," though details surrounding its construction remain largely undisclosed.

Investigations by BBC Verify have utilized satellite imagery, internal documents, and expert accounts to reveal serious concerns about the labor practices involved in developing the site. The resort, reminiscent of Spain's Benidorm in structure and purpose, is part of North Korea's broader goal to attract roughly one million tourists, specifically from China and Russia, while maintaining an isolated zone.

Kim Jong Un's childhood memories of Wonsan may have inspired the project, leading a North Korean delegation to Spain in 2017 to study successful resort models. The result is a planned beachfront oasis featuring hotels, guesthouses, an aquatic park, and entertainment one-quarter—though the completion status of many structures remains unclear.

Rapid construction efforts sparked scrutiny over working conditions. The UN has reported on forced labor in North Korea, and individuals familiar with the construction of the Wonsan resort have raised alarms about brutal labor practices, with workers often compelled to labor lengthy hours under dire conditions.

Eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing experiences of those involved in "shock brigades," workgroups tasked with meeting stringent deadlines. Defectors from North Korea have shared that individuals frequently face inadequate nutrition and extreme physical demands, leading to tragic outcomes.

As North Korea aims to reinvigorate its economy through tourism, particularly amidst increasing isolation due to international sanctions, the appeal of Wonsan Kalma is questioned. Russian tour operators have begun offering trips, with the first group reportedly costing around $1,800 for a week-long stay, but experts doubt the resort's viability against more attractive travel alternatives available to Russian tourists.

With foreign tourism severely restricted in recent years, the opening of Wonsan Kalma represents a critical moment for North Korea as it seeks to strengthen its connections with Russia, particularly given their recent collaboration amidst geopolitical tensions. However, it remains to be seen whether the resort can successfully navigate its challenges amid scrutiny over human rights and competition from more established tourism destinations.