North Korea's New Resort Opens to Local Tourists Amid Economic Hurdles

Despite the grandeur of the new Wonsan Kalma resort, its anticipated influx of foreign tourists remains elusive, as the political climate and sanctions hinder its economic aspirations.

A newly inaugurated beachfront resort in North Korea, the Wonsan Kalma, opened its doors this week to enthusiastic local residents, but the absence of foreign tourists signals a challenging road ahead for its economic goals. Spearheaded by leader Kim Jong-un, the resort is part of a larger initiative intended to stimulate the nation’s economy by attracting foreign visitors who can infuse much-needed cash.

State media reports highlighted the excitement as local families flocked to the scenic 2.5-mile-long beach on the country’s eastern coast. The Korean Central News Agency boasted of an atmosphere filled with joy and optimism, celebrating the new leisure destination that Mr. Kim hopes will reshape North Korea’s tourism landscape.

Accommodating up to 20,000 guests, Wonsan Kalma is designed to rival top tourist destinations. Its lavish amenities, including water parks and hotels, have even drawn comparisons to Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach for their ambitious scale. This latest venture underscores Kim's focus on generating foreign currency amid stringent international sanctions that have targeted the nation’s primary economic exports like coal and textiles since 2017.

The push for tourism stems directly from the need to replace lost revenues from these exports, as Mr. Kim's government grapples with the dual threats of economic strain and diplomatic isolation. While domestic tourists enjoyed the resort on its opening day, international visitors remain scarce. Notably, China—traditionally a source of tourists—has restrictions on travel to North Korea, limiting the potential success of Wonsan Kalma.

In his efforts to promote tourism, Mr. Kim has transformed the once militarized Kalma Beach through significant investment. This ambitious project, closely monitored by the state, reflects the leader's vision for an economically resilient North Korea, even as its potential for success hangs on the unpredictable currents of international relations.