North Korea’s Beach Resort Inspired by Benidorm Opens Its Doors to First Russian Visitor
A newly opened beach resort in North Korea has attracted its first group of Russian tourists, despite ongoing criticism from human rights organizations regarding the treatment of construction workers involved in its development. The Wonsan Kalma resort, inaugurated last month by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is touted as a “world-class tourist and cultural destination.” However, the construction process has raised serious concerns about human rights abuses, as investigations reveal troubling details about the labor conditions faced by workers.
Wonsan’s Transformation
Wonsan, a coastal city where Kim Jong Un spent much of his youth, has long been a favored vacation spot for North Korea’s elite. The government aims to revitalize the area by attracting approximately one million tourists, while maintaining it as a restricted zone. Ri Jong Ho, a former North Korean economic official involved in the resort’s planning, indicated that the project was intended to gradually open North Korea to the outside world. In 2017, a North Korean delegation visited Spain’s Benidorm to gather ideas for the resort, which included high-rise hotels and entertainment facilities. The ambitious plans feature 43 hotels along the beachfront, guest houses, and camping sites, although it remains unclear if all these structures have been completed.
Satellite imagery reveals that construction began in early 2018, with significant progress made within 18 months. By the end of 2018, about 80% of the resort was reportedly finished. However, subsequent satellite images suggest that construction has since stalled, raising questions about the future of the project and its intended purpose.
Concerns Over Labor Practices
The rapid construction of the Wonsan Kalma resort has sparked alarm regarding the treatment of workers. The United Nations has reported on the use of forced labor in North Korea, particularly through “shock brigades,” which are groups of workers subjected to harsh conditions and long hours. James Heenan from the UN Human Rights Office in Seoul noted that reports indicate the resort’s construction involved such brigades, with workers allegedly laboring around the clock to meet deadlines.
Testimonies from defectors provide further insight into the brutal realities faced by these workers. Cho Chung Hui, who managed shock brigades, described the extreme pressure to complete tasks, often at the expense of workers’ health and safety. Another defector, Kang Gyuri, recounted her cousin’s experience on the construction site, highlighting inadequate food and poor living conditions. She also mentioned that local residents were displaced without compensation as the resort expanded, a situation corroborated by satellite analysis showing the demolition of homes to make way for new developments.
Tourism Prospects and Challenges
Despite the grand opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort, North Korea remains largely closed to foreign tourists, with only a few controlled tours allowed. The resort is seen as a crucial element in revitalizing the country’s struggling economy and strengthening ties with Russia, particularly following North Korea’s military support for Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Initial plans aimed to attract over a million visitors, primarily from China and Russia.
While some Russian travel agencies are promoting tours to the resort, interest appears limited. A recent inquiry revealed that only a small number of tourists had signed up for the inaugural trip. The cost of a week-long tour, including three days at the resort, is around $1,800, which is significantly higher than the average monthly salary in Russia. Experts suggest that the resort may struggle to compete with more popular and accessible destinations, as Russian tourists have a wide range of options that offer better service and fewer restrictions.
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