The Wonsan Kalma resort, launched by Kim Jong Un, aims to attract tourists while raising alarms about the treatment of construction workers involved in its development.
**North Korea Unveils Controversial Wonsan Kalma Resort to Russian Tourists**
**North Korea Unveils Controversial Wonsan Kalma Resort to Russian Tourists**
A new beach resort in North Korea opens to Russian holidaymakers amid scrutiny over labor conditions and human rights issues.
North Korea has officially opened its new Wonsan Kalma resort to its first group of Russian tourists, raising eyebrows due to ongoing concerns surrounding the human rights violations tied to its construction. Celebrated with a grand ceremony by North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, last month, the resort is pitched as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination," despite serious wrongdoing reports during its development.
Analysts and former insiders have voiced their apprehension as they dissect the complexities behind the resort's construction, which was shrouded in secrecy. Reports indicate that the government utilized forced labor methodologies, particularly with "shock brigades," comprising workers enduring dire conditions and meager compensation. Previously, Kim Jong Un had expressed ambitions to turn Wonsan into a significant tourist spot. Initial plans were to draw approximately one million tourists while maintaining a restrictive environment, as noted by defected North Korean economic official Ri Jong Ho.
The resort showcases ambitious architectural designs reminiscent of popular tourist destinations, including elements like towering hotels and expansive recreational facilities. This vision was partly inspired by a 2017 fact-finding mission to Spain, where North Korean architects studied the famous Benidorm to replicate its success.
However, despite rapid construction efforts, numerous reports of the harsh realities faced by workers have surfaced. A defected manager of these "shock brigades" recounted harrowing tales from the site. Additionally, another former worker revealed that residential areas were cleared to make space for the resort, with minimal compensation for displaced local families.
Although North Korea remains largely closed-off to foreign tourists, the regime seeks to develop relationships with Russia, particularly after the two nations have grown closer amid geopolitical tensions. Early data shows a limited interest from tourists outside of Russia, with travel agencies reporting few participants in tours to the resort, contradicting the ambitions of reaching extensive visitor numbers.
Despite the bleak conditions surrounding its development, Wonsan Kalma has now marked its place in the tourism landscape of North Korea, albeit under a cloud of ethical concerns that shadow its future.
Analysts and former insiders have voiced their apprehension as they dissect the complexities behind the resort's construction, which was shrouded in secrecy. Reports indicate that the government utilized forced labor methodologies, particularly with "shock brigades," comprising workers enduring dire conditions and meager compensation. Previously, Kim Jong Un had expressed ambitions to turn Wonsan into a significant tourist spot. Initial plans were to draw approximately one million tourists while maintaining a restrictive environment, as noted by defected North Korean economic official Ri Jong Ho.
The resort showcases ambitious architectural designs reminiscent of popular tourist destinations, including elements like towering hotels and expansive recreational facilities. This vision was partly inspired by a 2017 fact-finding mission to Spain, where North Korean architects studied the famous Benidorm to replicate its success.
However, despite rapid construction efforts, numerous reports of the harsh realities faced by workers have surfaced. A defected manager of these "shock brigades" recounted harrowing tales from the site. Additionally, another former worker revealed that residential areas were cleared to make space for the resort, with minimal compensation for displaced local families.
Although North Korea remains largely closed-off to foreign tourists, the regime seeks to develop relationships with Russia, particularly after the two nations have grown closer amid geopolitical tensions. Early data shows a limited interest from tourists outside of Russia, with travel agencies reporting few participants in tours to the resort, contradicting the ambitions of reaching extensive visitor numbers.
Despite the bleak conditions surrounding its development, Wonsan Kalma has now marked its place in the tourism landscape of North Korea, albeit under a cloud of ethical concerns that shadow its future.
