What's happened
North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort, opened to domestic visitors earlier this month, is now temporarily not accepting foreign tourists. The move follows a high-profile visit by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and concerns over the site's current state and political implications. The resort can host nearly 20,000 guests but remains largely closed to international visitors amid geopolitical tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The suspension of foreign tourism at Wonsan-Kalma highlights North Korea's cautious approach amid rising geopolitical tensions. The resort, still under construction and reportedly not fully operational, appears to be a strategic asset for Kim Jong Un's economic and diplomatic ambitions. The visit by Lavrov and the promise of increased Russian tourism suggest North Korea seeks to strengthen its alliance with Russia, especially in the context of its strained relations with the West. However, the reported mobilization of North Koreans at the site and the lack of clarity on the site's operational status indicate internal concerns about the project's stability and international image. This move to halt foreign access may serve as a safeguard against potential political fallout and a signal of North Korea's prioritization of military and diplomatic ties over tourism at this stage. The future of the resort remains uncertain, but it will likely continue to be a focal point of North Korea's strategic diplomacy and economic planning, with the potential to reopen once internal and external conditions are deemed more favorable.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that the Wonsan-Kalma resort, opened to domestic tourists earlier this month, is now temporarily closed to foreign visitors following Lavrov's visit, which raised concerns about the site's readiness and political implications. The NY Post highlights that North Korea's tourism authority provided no specific reasons for the suspension, but experts suggest it may be related to reports of mobilized North Koreans at the site and the broader geopolitical context. AP News emphasizes that the closure coincides with increased military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including Lavrov's visit and the promise of more Russian tourists. The article notes that North Korea's cautious reopening of borders and limited international tourism reflect internal uncertainties and strategic considerations. The Independent echoes these points, adding that satellite imagery indicates the resort is not yet fully operational, and that North Korea's focus remains on consolidating military alliances rather than expanding tourism. South China Morning Post provides additional context, noting Kim Jong Un's personal investment in the project and the potential economic benefits, but also the risks associated with international scrutiny and internal stability.
How we got here
North Korea has been gradually reopening its borders since the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing limited international tourism, primarily from Russia and China. The Wonsan-Kalma resort, a major project championed by Kim Jong Un, was expected to boost tourism and generate revenue. However, recent visits by Russian officials and the expansion of military cooperation with Russia have heightened tensions and led to restrictions on foreign visitors. Analysts suggest the suspension may be due to concerns over the site's readiness and political sensitivities following Lavrov's visit and reports of mobilized North Koreans at the site.
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Common question
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Why Has North Korea Suspended Foreign Tourism at Wonsan?
North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma resort, once a symbol of the country's tourism ambitions, has recently halted foreign visitors. This move raises questions about the country's plans for the site, its political motives, and what it means for future international travel to North Korea. Below, we explore the reasons behind the suspension, the implications of recent visits by Russian officials, and whether Wonsan is ready to welcome tourists again.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is a Russian diplomat and politician. In office since 2004, he is the Foreign Minister of Russia. Previously, he was the Russian Representative to the UN, serving in the role from 1994 to 2004.