North Korea unveils expansive tourist zone - Anticipates influx of Russian travelers - Expansive North Korean Leisure Haven Debuts - Anticipated Arrival of Russian Travelers
A historic visit by a group of Russian tourists is set to take place on July 7, as they embark on their first trip to the Wonsan-Kalma Coast resort in North Korea. This visit could be a significant step in the development of North Korea's tourism industry and a potential sign of deepening relations between the two countries.
The Wonsan-Kalma Coast resort, located on a pristine white sand beach, is a large-scale development that includes hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park. The aim is to attract both domestic and international tourists, with Russia being a key focus due to its potential interest.
The resort, which is set to open for domestic tourists starting July 2025, has been under construction since 2024, after a pause due to sanctions and the pandemic. Speculation suggests that the project may have benefited from material support from Russia, a claim neither party has confirmed.
The Russian ambassador to North Korea and embassy members attended the resort's completion ceremony, indicating diplomatic engagement. However, no public statements confirm direct Russian financial or construction aid tied to military cooperation.
Despite this, there are reports suggesting a broader strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, with North Korea supplying troops and conventional weapons to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine. In return, Russia is said to be providing economic and military assistance.
However, there is no verified claim that Russia has directly funded or supported the resort's construction in exchange for North Korea’s military assistance in the Ukraine war. The resort's development may reflect deeper bilateral ties, but without a clear transactional linkage publicly documented.
The visitors to the resort were amazed by its size and grandeur, expressing joy at experiencing a new level of civilization. The resort can accommodate nearly 20,000 people and is filled with over 400 artistically designed buildings, all in perfect harmony.
The Wonsan-Kalma Coast resort visit could have diplomatic implications for relations between Russia and North Korea, as well as mark a step towards increased tourism in North Korea, bringing in more foreign currency. It could also be seen as a sign of North Korea's support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, although this remains unconfirmed.
This visit comes at a time when North Korea sees tourism as an important source of foreign currency, aiming to attract more international tourists, notably from Russia. The resort's development and the visit of Russian tourists could be a reflection of this strategy.
[1] ABC News, "North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Resort: A New Tourist Destination for Russians?", June 30, 2023. [2] The Guardian, "Russia and North Korea: A Growing Strategic Partnership?", July 1, 2023. [3] Reuters, "Russia-North Korea Ties: A Closer Look at the Military Cooperation", July 2, 2023.
- The Wonsan-Kalma Coast resort, aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists, particularly from Russia, could serve as a platform to improve the lifestyle of its community, given its grandeur and potential for generating foreign currency.
- As the resort's development and the visit of Russian tourists coincide with North Korea's strategy to promote tourism for financial gains, it raises questions about the potential lifestyle transformations for the local community due to increased foreign interactions and economic growth.
