Kim Jong-un unveils a colossal tourism hub in North Korea: Experts express skepticism over its viability

Kim Jong-un unveils a colossal tourism hub in North Korea: Experts express skepticism over its viability

Touring Wonsan Kalma: North Korea's Gigantic Beach Venture

Get ready for Wonsan Kalma, North Korea's upcoming seaside tourism mecca, set to open its doors in 2025! This PC-approved destination is more than just a sun, sand, and sea paradise—it's a grand display of Kim Jong-un's totalitarian power and a lucrative money-making scheme. However, it's uncertain who will be flocking to this enigmatic locale.

A Tourist Golden Goose?

First announced in 2014, Wonsan Kalma is rumored to be a sprawling resort, spanning an impressive 7,000-20,000 rooms, according to different sources. Bruce W. Bennett, North Korea affairs expert at the RAND think tank, stated that the resort is "by far larger than anything else Kim has done in tourism." With such grand ambitions, Wonsan Kalma is destined to be a monument to the ductless regime's global showmanship and financial security.

But just who will be joining the party? The North Korean embassy in London remains tight-lipped on the matter, and experts remain divided.

Delayed but Never Deterred

Wonsan Kalma's construction has already experienced delays, with the first delay being announced in 2019. Kim Jong-un stated that he wanted no compromises on quality, and so the project has been further refined. However, analysts suspected that the delay might be caused by import restrictions due to international sanctions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, construction work stalled, but it's now full steam ahead, with the grand unveiling scheduled for June 2025. North Korea, which has kept its borders sealed since the pandemic's onset, appears to be preparing itself for an international tourism boom.

A Submerged Haven and Floral Delight

While we've yet to set foot in Wonsan Kalma, Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, the company that conducted the latest visit, is intrigued by what he's heard. Beard reported that the resort is set to feature an underwater hotel, a flower park, an international conference hall, an exhibition and convention center, among other amenities.

The region's allure doesn't stop there: Songdowon, a favorite spot for domestic tourists, hosts an international children's camp, while the nearby Masikryong ski resort beckons winter-loving adventurers. The area's natural beauty, coupled with Kim Jong-un's affection for the region, has led Michael Madden, founder of the North Korea monitoring site NK Leadership Watch, to pronounce Wonsan as the Mar-a-Lago of Kim Jong-un back in 2015.

Mass Tourism or Niche Interest?

Facilities in Wonsan Kalma have come and gone over the years, leading some analysts to speculate that the turtle-shaped building might become an aquarium. A theater that emerged in 2021 has since been demolished, hinting that Wonsan Kalma is a work in progress.

In recent weeks, there has been an uptick in oil tanker activity in the nearby port, suggesting that construction work is being rushed to completion. Beard, the co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, told reporters that North Korean contacts expect a "big rush" of tourists upon the resort's opening, but they anticipate only about 100 visitors per year.

Experts have their doubts about the project's attractiveness to international tourists. While the location is picturesque, Bennett from the RAND Corporation mused, "It's not Florida. It's North Korea." Moreover, Marcus Noland of the Peterson Institute for International Economics stated, "It's not even clear if the facility will generate money, considering how much they've invested."

The Ruble as Solid Ground?

The allure of international tourism is overwhelming because it brings in hard currency that can bypass international sanctions. South Koreans, who could potentially be seen as ideal customers due to their proximity and purchasing power, are unlikely to travel to Wonsan Kalma due to political tensions. Japan, China, and Russia are other potential markets, and Russia, in particular, is actively promoting travel packages to the resort.

There is also a significant homegrown audience for this destination. The state may offer employees trips to the resort as a reward for outstanding performance, experts suggest. The locals, according to Beard, are excited about the prospect of having their very own Disneyland.

Will Wonsan Kalma live up to Kim Jong-un's ambitious vision? Whether the resort becomes a flourishing destination or a flop remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with hard currency, regional connections, and local support, Wonsan Kalma is more than just a glitzy beachfront hamlet—it's a gamble that may well pay off for North Korea.

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Expected Tourists for Wonsan Kalma Tourism Project

North Korea's Wonsan Kalma tourism project is expected to attract tourists primarily from within its own borders, as well as from countries like Russia. The project has been designed with a scale that suggests it will mainly serve domestic tourists and possibly some international visitors, particularly from Russia and potentially Europe, during the peak summer season.

However, obstacles such as international sanctions, political tensions, and North Korea's lack of experience in hospitality may limit the influx of foreign tourists. Despite this, the project is likely to bolster North Korea's domestic tourism industry and strengthen its economic ties with regional partners.

In summary, Wonsan Kalma is anticipated to be popular among domestic tourists and attract regional visitors, particularly from countries like Russia. However, its broader international appeal may be constrained by North Korea's political environment.

References:1. "North Korea's luxury beach resort finally nears completion." CNN, July 20202. "North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Tourism Project: What We Know." NK News, November 20213. "North Korea's planned Wonsan-Kalma tourist project." The Diplomat, April 20194. "Kim Jong-un has a master plan: Wonsan-Kalma, a $6 billion luxury beach resort." The Independent, May 2016

1. "What about the expected tourists for Wonsan Kalma's tourism project?"
2. "The reports suggest that Wonsan Kalma will mostly attract tourists from within North Korea, with potential visitors from Russia."
3. "Some analysts predict an influx of tourists from Europe during the peak summer season, but obstacles like international sanctions, political tensions, and lack of hospitality experience may limit the foreign tourist population."
4. "Despite the uncertainty, the project is likely to boost North Korea's domestic tourism industry and strengthen its economic ties with regional partners, particularly Russia."

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