North Korea's focus on tourism growth faces setbacks from sudden policy changes, raising questions about the future of international visitor access to the country.
North Korea Shuts Doors to Foreign Tourists at Newly Opened Seaside Resort
North Korea Shuts Doors to Foreign Tourists at Newly Opened Seaside Resort
North Korea halts foreign tourism at Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone just weeks after its grand opening.
In a surprising move, North Korea has barred foreign tourists from its Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which opened only on July 1 as part of leader Kim Jong Un's push for tourism growth. This decision comes shortly after the first group of Russian tourists arrived at the resort, coinciding with a meeting between Kim and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had praised the new development. A notice on the North Korean tourism website cites a "temporary" ban on foreign visitors. The resort, which boasts a water park, hotels, and shopping areas along a 4km beachfront, can accommodate around 20,000 guests. However, the resort's construction has drawn criticism for alleged labor rights violations against workers. This abrupt change in policy follows a brief period of welcoming foreign tourists, including those from Western nations, before tourism was halted shortly thereafter without an explanation.
