North Korea Unveils Major Tourism Resort, Eyes Russian Visitors Amid Economic Struggles

Pyongyang, North Korea – North Korea has launched a significant tourism initiative, opening a sprawling new resort complex that includes over 40 hotels, various shops, restaurants, and a large water park. The project was personally inaugurated by leader Kim Jong Un on July 1st, marking a new public relations effort by the reclusive nation. The move is seen as an attempt to combat North Korea's long-standing economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by international sanctions and the country's self-imposed isolation, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, North Korea saw only about 5,000 Western tourists annually, who were permitted entry solely through strictly guided and regulated tours. In a notable shift, the new tourism drive appears to be primarily targeting Russian visitors. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, during a visit in mid-July, reportedly pledged to encourage more Russians to travel to North Korea. This push is supported by the recent establishment of monthly flight connections between Moscow and Pyongyang. Despite these efforts to attract foreign currency, international travel advisories remain cautious. The German Foreign Office, for instance, continues to strongly advise against travel to North Korea, citing concerns over the repeated arrests and lengthy prison sentences of foreign nationals in the past. The success of North Korea's new tourism venture in attracting significant numbers of international visitors, especially beyond Russia, remains uncertain given these warnings and the country's tightly controlled environment.

www.focus.de

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