A new beach resort, Wonsan Kalma in North Korea, has greeted its first group of tourists from Russia despite criticism from human rights organizations regarding the treatment of its construction workers. Opened by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the resort was marketed as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination."
Amidst a veil of secrecy, satellite imagery and insider reports reveal that the development of the site involved severe human rights abuses, including the use of forced labor, known as "shock brigades."
Plans for the Wonsan area began post a 2017 trip to Spain’s Benidorm by North Korean officials, hoping to attract about one million tourists while maintaining a controlled environment. This resort boasts numerous facilities like hotels, a waterpark, and an entertainment quarter; however, local narratives describe laborers working long hours in harsh conditions, sometimes leading to fatalities.
Despite the significant efforts to draw foreign visitors, mainly from Russia and China, the response has been lukewarm. Tour bookings are scarce, with a Russian tour operator reporting only a handful of travelers interested in visiting. While North Korea aims to boost its economy through tourism, experts doubt its appeal compared to other international vacation spots.
As the resort opens, the juxtaposition of its potential for tourism against the backdrop of human rights violations calls into question the true cost of this new development in North Korea.
