North Korea has abruptly barred all foreign tourists, including those from the United States and Russia, from visiting its newly launched seaside resort, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone.
The decision comes just weeks after the resort’s grand opening on July 1, a key milestone in leader Kim Jong Un’s vision to boost the country’s tourism sector.
Located in the eastern city of Wonsan, the Kalma resort was heavily promoted in recent years as a luxurious destination intended to attract both local and international travelers.
However, this week, an update on North Korea’s official tourism website stated that foreigners are “temporarily” not permitted to visit the site, without offering a clear explanation or timeline for the restriction.
The announcement comes shortly after reports surfaced that the first group of Russian tourists had arrived at the resort last week.
The move is also likely to dampen hopes of increased foreign tourism, which Pyongyang has been trying to position as a vital source of revenue amid ongoing international sanctions.
For now, the future of foreign access to Wonsan Kalma remains uncertain, raising questions about the regime’s tourism strategy and broader international engagement.
Author: Bashir Juma
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