North Korea has constructed a sizable beach resort that may eventually welcome visitors from other countries.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un, the leader of the clandestine state, opened the coastline tourist destination of Wonsan Kalma with “great satisfaction.”
During his tour of the site, Mr. Kim declared that its construction would be regarded as “one of the greatest successes this year” and referred to it as “the proud first step” towards achieving the government’s tourism development program.
The source did not specify when the beach resort would open to foreign visitors, although it can accommodate about 20,000 guests and will open to internal travelers on Tuesday.
Mr. Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, along with their daughter and presumed successor Kim Ju Ae, opened the resort.
In an attempt to boost its faltering economy, the North Korean leader has been attempting to turn the isolated kingdom into a travel destination.
According to state media, North Korea will formally announce its intentions to construct sizable tourist attractions in additional places.
The ban on foreign visitors that North Korea implemented in early 2020 in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic has not yet been completely lifted.
In the midst of improving relations between the two nations, it began welcoming Russian tourists in February 2024. However, despite accounting for over 90% of visitors prior to the pandemic, Chinese group excursions continue to stall.
The resort’s completion ceremony was attended by Russia’s ambassador to North Korea and his diplomatic workers, according to KCNA. Whether any Chinese diplomats had been invited was not mentioned.
