North Korea bans foreigners from tourist resort

North Korea has temporarily banned foreign visitors from its newly launched Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, just weeks after opening it on July 1, 2025. The announcement was made via the country’s official tourism website, according to BBC.

Promoted as a key component of Kim Jong Un’s strategy to develop tourism, the resort was originally pitched to both local and foreign tourists. Now, only domestic visitors are permitted.

Last week, the first Russian tourists reportedly arrived, coinciding with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit. Lavrov praised the site as a “great tourist attraction” and hoped it would become popular among Russians. Direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are expected to begin soon.

Russian tour operators had also planned additional trips to the site in coming months.

Wonsan is located along the country’s east coast and is known for its military facilities and seaport. It is also where Kim spent much of his youth.

The resort stretches 4km along the coastline and features hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and a water park. It has a capacity for 20,000 guests, according to state media.

Human rights groups have criticized the project since its inception in 2018, citing reports of forced labor and poor working conditions during construction.

The opening ceremony on June 24 was attended by Kim’s family and Russian diplomats.

Tourism was reopened to Russian citizens last year after years of pandemic restrictions, and to Westerners in February 2025. But foreign tourism was suspended again weeks later with no explanation.

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