The Maldives. Bali. Fiji. These are the destinations that spring to mind when you imagine an exotic beach vacation.
North Korea? Well, not so much... But its leader, Kim Jong Un, is on a mission to change that, apparently.
Officially named the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the country is entering a 'prelude' to a 'new era of tourism,' the Korean Central News Agency, owned by the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, claims.
Yet North Korea is a totalitarian dictatorship, with the Kim family, officially the Mount Paektu Bloodline, having ruled the country since 1948 as ‘supreme leaders’.
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According to Amnesty International, it has one of the world’s worst human rights records, having also been condemned by the United Nations and Freedom House.
The country has hosted foreign tourists in the past, although international arrivals have pretty much dried up since capital city Pyongyang sealed its borders in January 2020. A number of small tours of its capital have gone ahead since, though - made up mainly of Russian visitors.
But now, a new beach resort, Wonsan Kalma, is set to open its doors this July.
Where is North Korea's new beach resort?
Located on the east coast of Korea, roughly 220 kilometers (around 136 miles) from Pyongyang, Wonsan Kalma has been more than a decade in the making.
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Dubbed by the KCNA as a 'world-class cultural resort,' the tourist destination has the capacity to welcome some 20,000 visitors.
Plans were first announced in 2013 by Kim Jong Un, who grew up vacationing in the area.
He has championed Wonsan Kalma's development, spearheading projects such as Kalma Airport, a dual-use international airport and military test site.
Work on the tourist zone began in 2014, with an April 2019 opening planned - but sanctions on building materials and pandemic closures pushed that date back.
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And despite its proximity to Pyongyang, even domestic tourists are scheduled to travel via plane, it's been reported.
What will be at the Wonsan Kalma resort?
KCNA said the Wonsan Kalma development is a 'great, auspicious event of the whole country,' dubbing it a 'prelude to the new era' in tourism.
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The complex stretches along 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of coastline, with houses, hotels and hostels.
Other attractions include water parks, 'sea-bathing service facilities, various sports and recreation facilities.'
There will also be 'commercial and public catering facilities fully equipped with all conditions... for providing the beauty of the scenic spot on the east coast in all seasons,' KCNA said.
Who can visit Wonsan Kalma resort?
The resort opens to domestic tourists from July 1, according to the KCNA. However, there's no word yet on whether visitors from the rest of the world will be allowed to stop by.
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But starting July 7, Russian tour specialist Vostok Intur will lead its inaugural weeklong trip to the country, according to its website.
It’s a milestone moment; the first time Russian sun-seekers will actually sleep on North Korean soil rather than a brief visit for the day.
The itinerary is pretty packed, too. Guests will arrive in Pyongyang, hop on a domestic flight to the Wonsan Kalma, then spend four nights soaking up the sun at the shiny new resort.
Next, they'll wrap up and head for the mountains for a stop at Masikryong ski lodge, 50 kilometers (31 miles) inland.
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Their week then wraps up with final day of sightseeing in Pyongyang.
Topics: North Korea, Kim Jong-un, World News
Ellie Kemp