North Korea bars foreigners from recently unveiled ‘world class’ beach resort
North Korea performs U-turn on new seaside resort
- North Korea has abruptly halted foreign access to its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, just weeks after promoting it as a "world-class" destination.
- The decision follows a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who praised the resort, and comes as Russian tourists had begun visiting the site.
- Despite being celebrated by Kim Jong Un as a "greatest success", North Korea's official tourism site announced foreign visitors are "temporarily not accepted" without providing a reason.
- The resort, which opened on 24 June after years of delays due to international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic, was intended to be a crucial source of income.
- Analysts speculate the ban may be temporary, suggesting the resort might still be undergoing final development or that authorities have concerns about opening it to foreigners.