NORTH KOREA BANS FOREIGN TOURISTS FROM NEW BEACH RESORT
North Korea has unexpectedly banned foreign tourists from accessing its newly built Wonsan-Kalma coastal beach resort, sparking widespread speculation about the regime’s intentions and the future of its tourism sector. The luxurious beach resort, located along the east coast of the country on the Sea of Japan (East Sea), was originally developed to attract foreign currency and showcase North Korea’s growing infrastructure capabilities. However, just weeks after hints of an opening, authorities have reversed course, stating that only domestic tourists will be allowed for the foreseeable future.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort has been in the works since 2018 and has been heavily promoted by North Korean state media as a “world-class beach destination.” With features such as luxury hotels, recreational water parks, golf courses, and an upgraded international airport nearby, the regime hoped to use the resort to boost its struggling economy by tapping into the international tourism market. However, with the recent announcement, the entire facility is now closed to foreign visitors, despite the completion of construction and prior announcements hinting at a global grand opening.
State-run media did not give a detailed explanation for the sudden ban but framed the decision as part of the country’s effort to “preserve the sanctity and cultural values of the Korean people.” Some analysts believe the ban is a precaution tied to ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and fears of external influence, while others suggest it may be a politically motivated decision aimed at maintaining strict control over the country’s image and internal affairs.
The North Korean government has long shown hesitation when it comes to opening up to foreigners, fearing exposure to outside ideologies that could undermine the regime’s authority. Tourism, while seen as a potential economic boost, has been tightly controlled, with visitors typically guided under constant surveillance and limited to approved areas. The Wonsan-Kalma project initially seemed like a rare move toward opening up, but the recent ban underscores Pyongyang’s reluctance to truly embrace outside engagement.
International observers have expressed skepticism about the real motivations behind the ban. Satellite images reportedly show very little activity at the resort, suggesting either construction delays, low domestic interest, or the possibility that the resort was never fully operational. Others believe that economic sanctions and funding shortages may have affected the resort’s ability to handle international visitors.
The announcement comes amid increasing isolation of North Korea on the global stage. With ongoing sanctions from the United Nations and the U.S. over its nuclear weapons program, as well as limited foreign investment, the country’s economy remains under immense strain. Tourism was seen as a rare sector with some potential for revenue, but the ban signals that ideological and political concerns still outweigh financial incentives.
In conclusion, North Korea’s decision to block foreign tourists from its new beach resort reveals a persistent resistance to international openness. While the Wonsan-Kalma resort may continue to serve as a propaganda tool for domestic audiences, its role in attracting foreign tourism—and much-needed revenue—now seems highly uncertain.