North Korea's Controversial Wonsan Resort Opens to First Russian Tourists

The Wonsan Kalma resort in North Korea, opened by Kim Jong Un, has received its first Russian tourists, stirring concerns of human rights violations linked to its construction. The facility aims to attract foreign visitors amidst an increasingly strained economic climate, even as reports reveal exploitative labor conditions.

A new beach resort in North Korea, the Wonsan Kalma, has officially opened its doors to its first group of Russian tourists, just weeks after a grand unveiling by Kim Jong Un. Despite the celebration, the resort's construction has been met with significant criticism from international human rights organizations, raising alarms regarding the treatment of workers involved in its development.

The resort, which Kim described as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination," is nestled in Wonsan, an area of personal significance to the leader. The government had ambitious plans for the tourist attraction, aiming to attract around one million visitors while keeping the area restricted to ensure security. This strategy reflects the regime's intention to gradually open up North Korea, albeit under strict surveillance.

In preparation for the resort, North Korean officials reportedly took inspiration from Spain's popular Benidorm. A North Korean delegation conducted a reconnaissance mission in 2017, during which they closely observed Benidorm's high-rise accommodations, recreational facilities, and hotels. A detailed resort plan emerged featuring multitude amenities, including a water park and entertainment quarter, although satellite imagery indicates that the project's construction has faced intermittent progress.

Efforts to construct the resort resumed following a meeting in June 2024 between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who promised to promote visits from Russian citizens. However, observers have raised concerns about the potential exploitation of construction workers. Reports allege the usage of "shock brigades"—labor groups forced to work in dire conditions, often with little to no compensation.

Testimonies from defectors reveal the torturous circumstances many faced while building the resort. Accounts describe long hours, insufficient food, and even the deaths of workers due to the extreme demands placed on them. Furthermore, regional residents have reported being forcibly relocated without compensation to make way for the resort's expansion.

The allure of the Wonsan Kalma resort is largely overshadowed by the perception of human rights abuses and the draconian conditions under which it was built. As North Korea has remained largely closed off to foreign tourists, the opening represents a pivotal moment in the isolated regime’s tourism strategy, focusing on strengthening ties with Russia.

Despite this reopening, the appeal of North Korea as a vacation destination may be limited. Industry experts note that Russian tourists can easily find more appealing and less restrictive holiday options in countries like Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam. Current tour packages from Russian agencies for the Wonsan Kalma resort reveal that interest may not meet the government's ambitious expectations, leaving the future of the resort uncertain.