North Korea bans foreigners from resort after Lavrov's visit
Photo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (Getty Images)
The North Korean authorities have suspended foreigners' access to a recently opened beach resort on the country's eastern coast. The decision may be linked to the recent visit to the country by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Bloomberg reports.
North Korea's National Tourism Administration announced that the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, which began operations this month, is temporarily not accepting foreign guests.
The reasons for restricting access to foreigners remain unclear, but the move coincided with the recent visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. During his meeting with his North Korean counterpart, Lavrov stated that Russia would "do everything" to increase the flow of Russian tourists to North Korea.
At the same time, some analysts suggest that the reason for not allowing tourists in may be that the construction of the facility is not yet complete.
"The resort is undoubtedly open, but it's not quite finished yet. One of the largest buildings at the resort, a hotel near the Kalmaegi Hotel, does not appear to be in use. There is little activity nearby and the rooftop pool has yet to be filled with water," analysts from the 38 North program at the Stimson Center said, citing satellite imagery.
Lucrative financial project
The Wonsan Kalma beach resort is one of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's pet projects. He has a private residence on the coast and often visits the construction site personally to oversee the progress.
According to state media, the resort has about 7,000 guest rooms. The complex includes luxury hotels and private villas, an outdoor park, and an airport.
Bloomberg noted that tourism is a key source of income for Kim Jong Un’s regime, which remains under international sanctions. Since easing its pandemic-related border restrictions, the country has allowed entry only to a small number of tourists from Russia.
The North Korean government strictly controls the movement of foreigners, who are usually housed in designated areas and face restrictions on traveling within the country.
North Korea's assistance in Russia's war against Ukraine
According to intelligence reports, Pyongyang is supplying Russia with about half of the ammunition it uses in its war against Ukraine.
The aggressor country may have already received over 12 million shells from North Korea.
According to media reports, North Korea's authorities may also send up to 30,000 troops to Russia for the war against Ukraine.
