North Korea has suddenly banned foreign visitors from its new seaside resort, only weeks after opening. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, launched on July 1, was expected to welcome international travellers. Instead, the tourism website now states that foreigners are “temporarily not allowed.”
This move comes as a shock, especially after recent promotions targeted both locals and foreigners. The site had also welcomed its first Russian tourists last week. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who visited Wonsan, called the development a “good tourist attraction.” He also expressed hope that more Russians would visit soon.
Resort Built to Attract Tourists and Display Progress
The Wonsan resort stretches across four kilometers of beachfront. It includes hotels, malls, restaurants, and a large water park, with a capacity of 20,000 visitors. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hopes to grow tourism and generate foreign income through projects like this.
Despite its modern appeal, the project has faced criticism. Human rights groups say workers endured long hours, low pay, and poor conditions during the resort’s construction.
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Plans for direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are still underway. However, it is unclear if the current visitor ban will affect these upcoming tours.
Wonsan is more than a beach town. It holds military facilities and elite holiday homes. Kim reportedly spent parts of his youth there, making it a personal favorite.
Earlier this year, North Korea briefly reopened to tourists from countries like the UK, Germany, and Australia. That decision also ended without explanation.
Now, the North Korea seaside resort ban adds to a pattern of sudden travel policy changes. Officials have not confirmed when or if foreign visitors will be allowed again.
