North Korea has officially opened a long-delayed beach resort in Wonsan, despite having no tourists to welcome, underscoring the regime’s ongoing economic isolation and the challenges facing its tourism sector.
At a Glance
- North Korea opened a new beach resort in Wonsan after years of delay.
- The resort remains empty due to strict border closures and international sanctions.
- Tourism, a rare foreign income source, has been crippled by COVID-19 restrictions.
- The project signals Pyongyang’s attempts to boost the economy despite isolation.
- Analysts say the resort’s opening is largely symbolic amid ongoing economic struggles.
The New Wonsan Beach Resort
After years of delay, North Korea inaugurated its new beach resort in the port city of Wonsan, a flagship project designed to attract tourists and showcase development. The resort includes hotels, amusement parks, and other facilities but remains eerily empty due to the country’s closed borders and ongoing international sanctions.
As shown in an Associated Press video report, there were no foreign visitors or tourists present at the opening ceremony, highlighting the severe restrictions on travel and the impact of isolation on the North Korean economy.
Economic Isolation and Tourism Challenges
Tourism has historically been one of the few avenues for foreign currency earnings for North Korea, but the COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions have devastated the sector. The resort’s opening may serve propaganda purposes and an effort to suggest economic resilience despite the lack of international engagement.
Watch a report: North Korea Opens New Beach Resort Without Tourists.
Implications for North Korea’s Economy
The empty resort underscores Pyongyang’s continuing economic difficulties and its challenges in attracting foreign investment or visitors. Analysts warn that without easing sanctions or reopening borders, tourism projects like Wonsan will struggle to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
What’s Revealed?
North Korea’s launch of the Wonsan beach resort without any tourists reveals the deep economic isolation the country faces. The project is symbolic of Pyongyang’s attempts to portray development, but the lack of visitors highlights the significant obstacles to economic recovery and growth.
