• North Korea plans to open the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone on July 1.
• The zone can accommodate 20,000 guests and includes various recreational facilities.
• Domestic tourism will commence first, with foreign visitor timelines still unclear.
• Russian tourists are expected to be among the first foreigners to visit.
• Opening the resort signals North Korea's intent to boost its tourism sector amidst economic struggles.

North Korea is set to inaugurate the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone on July 1, a significant project spearheaded by leader Kim Jong Un. This development is considered a pivotal step for the nation's tourism industry, which aims to attract visitors despite ongoing constraints regarding international access. The zone, expected to host around 20,000 guests, offers recreational activities and dining options, and marks a key initiative in Kim's strategy to enhance the country's economic viability through tourism, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.

The Wonsan-Kalma zone, initially planned to open in 2019, includes hotels, shopping facilities, and outdoor recreation areas along a 4-kilometer beach, aiming to enhance the local economy through tourism revenue. However, foreign tourist entry remains uncertain, as North Korea has maintained restrictions since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim praised the completion of the tourist zone as "one of the greatest successes this year,” highlighting its role in advancing North Korea's tourism ambitions, according to Reuters and BBC.

While the resort aims to attract domestic tourists first, some reports indicate that Russian tourists might be among the initial foreigners allowed. Russian officials have stated plans for tours in July, a reflection of the closer ties between Russia and North Korea amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics. The focus on Russian tourists may indicate North Korea's strategic pivot in its tourism policies, as it grapples with sanctions and limited foreign exchange options, as noted by India Times and CBS News.

Observers and tourism analysts express skepticism about the resort's appeal to western tourists, who have primarily been deterred by North Korea's restrictive policies and the recent pandemic. While some in the travel industry view the development as an intriguing opportunity for adventure tourism, the broader international reach of this tourist site remains to be seen amid ongoing tensions and the perception of the North Korean regime, according to BBC and CBS News.