North Korea Opens New Beach Resort, But It’s Closed to Foreign Tourists
Fundacion Rapala – North Korea officially inaugurated the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on July 1, 2025. Initially billed as a flagship project under Kim Jong Un to expand tourism, the resort spans a 4 km shoreline and includes hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and water parks. With a capacity for around 20,000 guests, this massive development signals North Korea’s ambition to grow its tourism sector. However, this grand opening has drawn attention beyond its size—especially concerning accessibility and human rights issues.
Foreign Visitors Temporarily Barred
Surprisingly, North Korea’s official tourism website now states that foreign tourists are not allowed at Wonsan Kalma. This feels like a sharp reversal, given earlier expectations that the resort would welcome international guests. Indeed, the timing seemed purposeful: the grand opening coincided with a visit from Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Moreover, North Korea and Russia are reportedly preparing direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang to facilitate travel. Despite these developments, authorities are continuing to restrict access.
Mixed Signals on International Access
Previously, North Korea briefly reopened to foreign visitors after pandemic isolation. Russia’s tour groups led this initial wave, followed by Western tourists from Australia, France, Germany, and the UK. However, this access was abruptly ended several weeks ago without explanation. Now, with restrictions on Wonsan Kalma, uncertainty clouds North Korea’s tourism strategy. This suggests that international access remains heavily influenced by shifting political and security calculations.
Labor Rights Concerns Surround Resor
Although the Wonsan Kalma resort looks impressive, significant concerns have arisen regarding its construction. International human rights organizations allege that forced labor was used during the project, with workers enduring poor conditions and low pay. These accusations highlight a persistent issue in large-scale North Korean developments. Consequently, critics suggest that behind the glamorous façade lies an exploitative system that questions the legitimacy of this “tourist” zone.