North Korea and Russia: Tourist Paradise or Worker’s Nightmare?
Welcome to Wonsan Kalma, North Korea’s brand-new resort personally opened by Kim Jong Un, now starting to receive its first Russian tourists. But while the regime boasts of a “world-class cultural tourist destination,” behind the scenes unfolds a grim reality — brutal working conditions, forced labor, and displacement of local residents.
Luxury on Paper, Hell on the Ground Kim Jong Un officially opened Wonsan Kalma last month, promising a tourist paradise. The plan was to attract around one million visitors, mainly from China and Russia. The resort boasts 43 hotels, a water park with towering slides, theaters, cinemas, and camping sites. It looks like a dream — on paper.
However, satellite images and reports from former workers reveal that construction was marked by forced labor from “shock brigades,” where workers toiled up to 24 hours a day, often with inadequate food and rest. Women worked under such physical strain that their menstruation stopped. Some workers even died on site, with authorities refusing to take responsibility.
Displacement and Injustice Residents of Wonsan were forcibly evicted from their homes without compensation to make way for the resort. Residential buildings were demolished, replaced by new tourist facilities. People have no right to complain or protest, as North Korea is notorious for its repression.
Russian Tourists? Few and Expensive! Though the plan was to attract a million tourists, the reality is different. Chinese travel agencies do not advertise trips, and only three Russian agencies offer tours. The first trip in July attracted just 12 Russian tourists, with a week-long trip costing about $1,000 — 60% more than the average monthly salary in Russia.
Experts say it’s highly unlikely Wonsan Kalma will become a popular destination, as Russian tourists can easily choose far better and cheaper places with higher service standards.
Why Is North Korea Trying? Besides trying to revive its economy under sanctions, the resort is an attempt to strengthen ties with Russia, especially given Moscow’s military support in the Ukraine war. Kim Jong Un even sent a delegation to Spain to study resorts, but reality in Wonsan is far from European standards.
Conclusion: Tourism or Torture? While the world marvels at the new North Korean resort, the truth is it was built on the backs of exhausted workers and displaced residents. Tourists pay dearly to see a place that symbolizes regime brutality.
If this sounds like a horror movie plot, you’re not far off. What do you think — will Wonsan Kalma ever become a tourist paradise, or remain a symbol of human suffering? Drop a comment, maybe together we’ll uncover even darker secrets of this place!
Source: BBC, Blic
