North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort, officially inaugurated by Kim Jong Un, has begun welcoming its first group of Russian tourists despite ongoing concerns about the human rights violations linked to its construction. The project, heavily inspired by a Spanish beach destination, aims to attract foreign visitors while raising alarms over forced labor and unsafe working conditions.
First Russian Tourists Arrive at Controversial N. Korean Resort Amid Human Rights Concerns
First Russian Tourists Arrive at Controversial N. Korean Resort Amid Human Rights Concerns
The Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea, which faced criticism for its construction practices, opens its doors to Russian tourists, marking a new chapter in international relations.
A new era of tourism has begun at North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort, as the facility officially welcomed its inaugural Russian guests this week. Opened with much fanfare by leader Kim Jong Un, the resort has been the subject of scrutiny due to allegations of severe mistreatment of workers involved in its construction.
Located along what was once a favored retreat for North Korea's privileged elite, the Wonsan Kalma project has been characterized by a rapid and secretive building process. Access to details about its construction has been cloaked in mystery, but reports highlight a disturbing pattern of human rights violations including the use of forced labor, with UN officials noting the existence of so-called "shock brigades" tasked with completing work under extreme pressure.
Ri Jong Ho, a defector and former economic planner for North Korea, revealed that the resort was planned to potentially bring in around one million tourists while remaining a secluded zone. This vision, it seems, was informed by observations made during a 2017 delegation visit to Spain's Benidorm, where North Korean architects and politicians took notes on resort-style developments.
The ambitious Wonsan resort plans to offer various facilities, including a multitude of hotels, guest houses, and an entertainment district. However, satellite imagery and reports indicate that while significant progress was made initially, the construction efforts faced pauses, particularly following diplomatic concerns and the implications of work conditions on those involved.
Accounts from defectors and independent sources have described brutal working conditions in the construction of the resort, prompting widespread concern. Many workers, as highlighted by Kang Gyuri, who fled to South Korea, describe acute suffering due to poor living conditions and inadequate pay, often leading to health issues and even fatalities on-site.
Despite North Korea's long-standing closure to foreign tourism, the Wonsan Kalma project symbolizes a strategic effort to enhance the nation's economy and strengthen ties with Russia, particularly in the wake of Pyongyang's support for Moscow in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
While Russian tour operators have begun offering packages to the resort, experts express skepticism about its potential popularity given the vast array of vacation options available elsewhere that offer better amenities and freedom from stringent oversight. Early reports indicate a modest turnout for the initial tours, suggesting a cautiously optimistic future for this isolated destination.
As Wonsan Kalma opens its doors, it not only marks a significant moment for North Korean tourism but also underscores the complex interplay between economic ambitions and human rights in one of the world’s most reclusive nations.
