By John Q. Hosedrinker 
North Korea has abruptly banned foreign tourists from its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma tourist complex, a project hailed by leader Kim Jong Un. The ban’s announcement, made without specifying a reason or duration, came shortly after a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had expressed intentions to boost Russian tourism to the site. Experts suggest the decision may stem from a Russian media report that hinted at the mobilization of North Koreans for tourism rather than actual visitors, or from issues with attracting Russian tourists due to distance and cost. Despite the ban, which is unlikely to be permanent, the country faces financial pressures to open the complex to foreign tourists, given the significant investment and its importance in tourism development.
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North Korea bans foreign tourists to newly opened beach resort, much to the disappointment of potential travelers worldwide. It appears that the grand unveiling of this seaside destination, meant to entice visitors, has been abruptly shut down. This decision, seemingly driven by negative implications, throws a wrench into the plans of anyone hoping for a unique vacation experience.
The North Korean government likely decided to halt foreigner travels to the zone because of a newspaper article by a Russian reporter who travelled with Lavrov that implied North Koreans at the zone appeared to be mobilized by authorities and not real tourists. This is according to experts who have been following the situation. It’s a classic case of building something, showing it off, and then pulling the plug because of potential criticism. The situation does seem odd, as it does raise the question of who, in their right mind, would even choose North Korea for a vacation in the first place.
One can’t help but imagine the few, the proud, the potential tourists who were probably considering this unique travel destination. The world is full of interesting places to visit, but it’s hard to shake the idea that this decision is emblematic of North Korea’s struggles. The government seems to have trouble getting much right, which is why it’s funny to imagine any travelers in the first place.
This situation is just mind-boggling! Who in their right mind would choose North Korea for a vacation? While the details are still emerging, it seems a Russian reporter’s observations about staged tourists at the resort have potentially ruined the illusion. This reporter’s article caused some negative consequences for the opening. It’s almost tragicomic; a resort built to attract tourists is closed to them because the facade crumbled under scrutiny. It really makes one wonder what they were even trying to accomplish.
The whole thing has a “Potemkin Village” feel to it. There are reports of empty balconies and beaches in the background of promotional images. This is reminiscent of stories from behind the Iron Curtain. Seeing a picture of it gives you a sense of PTSD, especially if you’ve lived behind the iron curtain. And if the government really does have a hard time dealing with criticism, it would make sense that they could not accept any. It’s like launching a restaurant, then banning customers from entering. That’s a bold business model.
Considering the reports, the tourists would be in on the illusion. The thought of that is like a scene from a surreal film. This is just absurd! The North Korean government is being so thin-skinned. They don’t want it to turn into Shenzen Beach. So the Russian reporter ruined it for pretty much everyone? Guess I need to change my vacation plans now.
It’s a testament to the absurdity of the situation. With all the world has to offer, who *would* seriously choose North Korea for a vacation? Who the hell is traveling to North Korea? Are these foreign tourists even in the room with us right now? They seem to want to get tourists to spend their money there, but then they do not give the tourists anything. It’s like they shop at the same overweight, silly haircut, bad ideas outlet.
What’s even more bizarre is that there are people who actually *do* visit North Korea. I suspect they are attracted to the novelty, the forbidden fruit, or perhaps a deep-seated desire for a different kind of travel experience. Many of them, particularly Chinese travelers, seem to frequent the country. It’s a shame that the tourism resort is closed, as many people do not have a vacation spot and were looking for a cheap one.
The North Koreans actually invest a lot in international tourism because no one accepts the North Korean Won for international trade. They use tourism as a way for them to get foreign currency like Chinese Yuan, Russian Rubles, and Vietnamese Đồng. I can’t imagine what kind of propaganda and show these foreign tourists are subject to. The North Korean government is essentially running a Truman Show for tourists.