North Korea is set to open a beach resort in Wonsan, a city on its east coast, as part of an effort to boost tourism. The $100 million project, which has been six years in the making, promises hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park. The resort aims to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors.
Leader Kim Jong Un attended a completion ceremony for the resort on June 24, marking his first public appearance since New Year’s Day. The project is seen as an attempt by Pyongyang to earn money through tourism, given its heavy sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program.
Despite initial optimism, some observers believe that international tourists will not be immediately welcome at the resort. Tour groups primarily come from China and Russia, which have maintained friendly relations with North Korea. However, the country’s tourism industry has been impacted by the Covid pandemic, and restrictions remain in place.
Some tour operators view Wonsan as a niche destination for travelers drawn to unconventional experiences. The resort’s unique cultural context is expected to attract those interested in experiencing a beach vacation within a secretive communist regime.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0w59r54w9o