The Wonsan Kalma resort, inaugurated by Kim Jong Un last month, aims to attract one million tourists while enhancing ties between North Korea and Russia. However, reports of forced labor and hazardous working conditions have tarnished its launch. Internal documents and satellite imagery suggest construction involved "shock brigades" subjected to grueling hours and insufficient compensation. As North Korea gradually opens its doors to foreign tourism, experts express skepticism about its appeal compared to traditional vacation spots like Thailand and Turkey.
**North Korea's Controversial Resort Opens to Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns**
**North Korea's Controversial Resort Opens to Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns**
A new North Korean beach resort has recently welcomed its initial group of Russian tourists despite severe criticism over labor practices during its construction.
The recent grand opening of North Korea's Wonsan Kalma resort, aimed at fostering tourism and bolstering ties with Russia, has attracted its first group of Russian visitors, despite serious concerns surrounding the treatment of construction workers. Following Kim Jong Un's inauguration of the resort, various reports from human rights groups point to the use of forced labor, mainly through "shock brigades," notorious for their brutal working conditions.
Despite being conceived as a premier tourist destination, aiming to draw in over one million guests, the Wonsan Kalma resort faces a challenge in marketing itself against popular travel destinations. Although Russian agencies have begun promoting trips, industry experts doubt that Russian tourists will favor North Korea over more appealing options like Thailand or Turkey. Concerns remain about the ethical implications of visiting a site built at such a high human cost.
