North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023, ending nearly four years of closure.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has launched plans for a new beachside tourist resort, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost tourism and potentially further open its borders. According to state media reports, this initiative is part of the Wonsan-Kalma development project on the eastern coast, which aims to enhance the nation’s tourism infrastructure.

Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, visited the resort site, where he was seen smiling and admiring the progress of the development. State media described Kim’s reaction, noting that he was “feasting his eyes with a bright smile” as he toured the area. The resort development appears to be part of a broader effort to rejuvenate North Korea’s tourism sector, which has long been isolated from the rest of the world.

The reopening of the resort is seen as a “first big step” in a broader plan to revitalize tourism in North Korea following the country’s reopening of its borders in August 2023. After nearly four years of stringent border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had also prevented even North Korean citizens from traveling, the country has begun to ease restrictions and explore avenues to attract international visitors.

Despite the upbeat tone of the state media, the images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) revealed a largely deserted hotel development, suggesting that the resort is still in its early stages. The project is expected to be a key component of Kim Jong Un’s economic vision, aiming to attract foreign investment and create jobs in the tourism sector.

As the country continues to emerge from its isolation, the resort project could pave the way for a wider reopening of North Korea’s borders, signaling a potential shift towards greater engagement with the outside world.

Kim Jong Un expressed “great satisfaction” during his visit to the beachside tourist resort, highlighting that the facilities were built with the intention of hosting “important external, political, and cultural events of the state.” This statement, reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), underscores the strategic importance of the resort as more than just a tourism project—it is seen as a key part of North Korea’s broader efforts to enhance its international presence and showcase its socialist achievements.

Kim further emphasized that the development of the tourist industry, leveraging the “favorable conditions and environment” of the area, could open “a new realm of socialist cultural construction” and act as a catalyst for both regional rejuvenation and national economic growth. This reflects his vision of using tourism as a driving force for North Korea’s economic and social development.

Analysts have noted that Kim Jong Un has long been interested in cultivating North Korea’s tourism sector. In his early years of leadership, he made the Wonsan-Kalma development a personal priority, viewing it as a significant project to attract foreign investment, improve the country’s international image, and stimulate local economic activity. This ongoing focus on tourism aligns with his broader strategy to strengthen North Korea’s economy and enhance its global profile, particularly through the promotion of unique attractions such as the new resort.

In February 2024, a group of approximately 100 Russian tourists arrived in Pyongyang, marking the first known foreign tour group to visit North Korea since the country lifted its border restrictions. The tourists then traveled to a ski resort near Wonsan, part of the ongoing efforts to revive North Korea’s tourism sector.

North Korea’s ties with Russia have deepened in recent years, especially following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The strengthening of political, military, and cultural relations between the two countries has contributed to a steady flow of Russian visitors to North Korea, a trend that could continue as part of their growing bilateral cooperation.

Before the pandemic, tourism to North Korea was limited, with around 5,000 Western tourists visiting the country annually. However, U.S. citizens made up about 20% of that market before the U.S. government imposed a travel ban on the country following the imprisonment and subsequent death of American student Otto Warmbier in 2017.

With the reopening of the borders and ongoing efforts to develop the tourism industry, North Korea appears eager to attract foreign visitors, particularly from countries like Russia, while potentially expanding its appeal to other nations in the future.

The arrival of the Russian tourist group in February 2024 signals a notable shift in North Korea’s tourism strategy as the country seeks to recover from the severe isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourists’ visit to the ski resort near Wonsan is symbolic, highlighting North Korea’s efforts to promote its scenic and unique attractions as part of its broader economic revival plan. With the resumption of foreign tours, the government hopes to enhance its image, attract investments, and generate foreign exchange, which could be crucial for the nation’s economic recovery.

The political and military ties between North Korea and Russia have grown stronger since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both countries have found common ground in their opposition to Western sanctions, with Russia offering political support to North Korea. Moscow has also sought to strengthen its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, and tourism could serve as a diplomatic tool in solidifying relations. The influx of Russian visitors may signal the beginning of a new phase in North Korea’s interactions with its neighbors and other global players.

Tourism to North Korea was always somewhat limited, even before the pandemic. While the country had attracted a small but steady stream of Western tourists, with around 5,000 visitors annually, the sector was far from flourishing. The small number of visitors was partly due to the country’s isolated nature and strict government control over foreign interaction. Westerners, particularly Americans, had limited access to the country, and U.S. citizens made up a significant portion of the tourism market until Washington imposed a travel ban on North Korea after the tragic case of Otto Warmbier. The American student’s imprisonment and subsequent death in 2017 had a major impact on the relationship between the U.S. and North Korea, including the tourism sector.

However, with the reopening of the borders, North Korea is positioning itself to once again attract international tourists, particularly from Russia and other countries with which it shares political or economic interests. The country is also working to develop infrastructure, such as luxury resorts and ski facilities, that could appeal to a broader demographic in the long term. In the meantime, Russian tourists appear to be the first wave of foreign visitors returning to North Korea, and their presence is being seen as a promising sign of future tourism growth.

As the North Korean government works to bolster its tourism industry, it is also hoping to expand the appeal of its natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and unique historical experiences. Although Western tourism may still face hurdles due to political tensions and safety concerns, North Korea is eyeing countries like Russia, China, and potentially other nations in Asia as primary sources of tourist traffic. The government will likely continue to work on improving facilities and amenities to meet international standards, ensuring that the country remains an appealing destination for those seeking to experience its unique culture and landscapes.

In the broader geopolitical context, North Korea’s tourism ambitions may play a role in reshaping its economic strategy. By cultivating a thriving tourism sector, North Korea aims to create new revenue streams, reduce its reliance on traditional industries, and enhance its global standing. The success of this initiative will depend not only on the country’s ability to attract more tourists but also on the evolving political climate and its relationships with key international partners.

COURTESY: Associated Press

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