North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended an extravagant ceremony at a new coastal resort on Tuesday, marking its opening for domestic tourists next week. The $2 billion development, located on the country’s east coast, features hotels and other accommodations that can accommodate nearly 20,000 guests.
The resort offers various activities such as swimming, sports, and recreation, as well as dining options at restaurants. However, it will not be immediately open to foreign tourists due to lingering COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and concerns about Western tourists spreading a negative image of North Korea’s system.
Experts believe that the country invested heavily in the construction of the resort and will eventually need to accept foreign tourists to recoup costs. Russian tourists are likely to be among the first to visit, given North Korea’s growing military and economic ties with Russia.
In contrast, South Korean and American tourists face a higher likelihood of being excluded from future tours due to strained relations between North Korea and its neighbors. Despite this, new liberal leaders in both countries have expressed hopes for reviving dialogue with North Korea.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-cuts-tape-coastal-tourist-site-foreigners-not-yet-welcome