Kim Jong Un and His New Resort: North Korean Tourism or Just Another Farce?
Welcome to the world of absurdity and contradictions! While the world slowly reopens borders and tourism flourishes, North Korea decides to boast about its new “paradise” resort, Wonsan Kalma. But wait, it’s not all as it seems in the photos served by state media!
Kim Jong Un in a suit, cigarette in hand, and generals sliding down water slides
Picture this: Kim Jong Un, the leader of one of the most closed countries in the world, casually sitting by the pool with a drink and a cigarette, while generals stroll past water slides. Yes, you read that right! Instead of his usual military coat, he wore a dark suit and a sand-colored tie, as if attending a glamorous opening, not a country where people barely survive.
A resort no one can visit
Wonsan Kalma is presented as “one of the greatest achievements of the year” and a key step in developing domestic tourism. But here’s the shocking truth: although the complex officially opens on July 1, it is currently available only to domestic tourists. Foreign guests? Forget it! Borders remain closed due to pandemic restrictions, and North Korea has no plans to open them soon. So, who is all this luxury and investment for? Internal propaganda and a show for the world?
Ambitions or illusions?
Kim claims this resort will become a globally recognized tourist and cultural center, with 20 million visitors annually. Does anyone really believe that? The country is known for strict controls, poverty, and isolation. How will it attract foreign tourists if they are not allowed entry? And why would anyone want to vacation in a country where freedom of movement is a myth?
Tourism in North Korea: dream or nightmare?
This is not the first time Pyongyang has tried to present itself as a tourist destination. Before the pandemic, tourists could visit the country in organized groups, mostly from China and Russia. But with border closures, tourism has practically died. Now, with this new resort, it all looks like an attempt to show “normalcy” and “progress,” while reality remains dark and unchanged.
Conclusion: Tourism or propaganda?
Wonsan Kalma may look beautiful on paper, but in reality, it is a symbol of isolation and control. While Kim Jong Un enjoys a drink and a cigarette by the pool, millions of his citizens live in poverty and without basic rights. This resort is more a performance for internal and external consumption than a real tourist destination.
If you think this is just another bizarre episode from the world of dictatorships, you’re not far off. But hey, maybe one day tourists will be able to enjoy this “paradise” — if they survive the bureaucratic hurdles and political games.
What do you think about this “tourism” project? Is it real development or just another farce? Drop a comment, light up a cigarette (if you dare), and enjoy this absurdity!
Key facts:
- New resort Wonsan Kalma opened July 1, 2023.
- Located on North Korea’s east coast.
- Offers pools, water slides, sports, and recreational facilities.
- Currently available only to domestic tourists.
- Planned 20 million visitors annually (ambitious goal).
- Kim Jong Un personally attended the opening in an unusual outfit.
- Foreign tourists still not allowed due to pandemic restrictions.
If you thought tourism was just about beautiful beaches and cocktails, North Korea shows you the other side of the coin. And while the world watches, Kim sits with a drink and cigarette, as if all is well. Isn’t that the true definition of a “tourist paradise”?
Slug: kim-jong-un-new-resort-north-korea-tourism-farce
