Kim Jong-un wants you to vacation at his beachside resort projects in North Korea

Kim Jong-un's North Korea has unveiled its grand plan to transform the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone into a seaside paradise, complete with beaches, skyscrapers, and hotels that positively scream luxury.

What

The North Korean supreme leader is set on transforming the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone into a captivating destination to attract international tourists, particularly those from European countries.

Originally planned for completion in mid-2018, the project faced delays due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Despite setbacks, Kim Jong-un envisions turning this coastal area into a tourist haven comparable to the renowned resort town of Benidorm in Spain.

• The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, situated near the port city of Wonsan on North Korea's eastern coast, was reportedly neglected during the pandemic, occupied by a homeless population and marred by human waste and soot from fires.
• However, Kim Jong-un has ambitious plans for revitalizing the area, aiming for construction to be completed as early as 2025. 

His vision extends beyond domestic tourism, as he sees the potential to attract foreign travelers, particularly those from European nations. Because nothing says vacation like a destination once inhabited by a homeless population and generously sprinkled with human waste.

Obstacles

The challenges of traveling to North Korea, such as entry bans and strict border restrictions, have deterred tourists. 

• The US Department of State and other foreign offices, including the UK's FCDO, have issued travel advisories, cautioning citizens about the risks associated with visiting North Korea. 
• These restrictions, compounded by the temporary closure of the British Embassy in Pyongyang, further limit the accessibility of the country.

Despite these obstacles, Kim Jong-un appears determined to make the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone a reality. 

• The project, initiated in 2017 after North Korean officials were inspired by Spain's Costa Blanca, promises a sprawling complex featuring water parks, hotels, and an airfield. 
• The initial completion deadline of mid-2018 was repeatedly postponed, but recent reports indicate plans to resume construction.

Implications

Kim Jong-un's determination to turn Wonsan into a tourist hotspot is truly commendable. It's not every day that a leader decides to revive a derelict site, covered in soot and grime, to entice European travelers who are just dying to experience the exquisite beauty of North Korea's eastern coast. Because, let's face it, nothing says "relaxing vacation" like a beach in a dictatorial state.

Trade officials have allegedly been instructed to procure the necessary materials from abroad to expedite the completion of the resort. If successful, this venture could lead to the reopening of North Korea to international tourists, allowing them to explore a more relaxed side of the country in Wonsan, which allegedly differs from the capital city, Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-un's aspiration to create a beachside resort reflects a broader strategy to diversify North Korea's image, showcasing its potential as a tourist destination and fostering economic development through international tourism.