The prospect of a North Korean beach holiday has piqued the curiosity of some British travelers, with over 250 individuals registering interest in visiting the newly constructed Kalma beach resort in Wonsan. This “North Korean Benidorm,” as some have dubbed it, sits on a former missile site and has been plagued by delays due to design changes, sanctions-related material shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While UK government advice strongly discourages travel to North Korea for non-essential purposes, and human rights groups condemn tourism to the country due to its extensive human rights abuses, the resort’s novelty appears to hold a certain allure for a small segment of the British public. Although travel retailer On The Beach, which gauged interest in the resort, has no plans to offer holidays to North Korea, the expressed interest highlights the complex relationship between curiosity, risk, and ethical considerations in travel choices.
The Kalma beach resort, envisioned as a showcase of North Korean tourism, has faced a protracted and troubled development. Originally slated to open in 2019, the project has been beset by repeated setbacks, reflecting both the internal challenges within North Korea and the impact of international sanctions. The resort’s construction has been marred by allegations of forced labor, raising serious ethical concerns for potential visitors. The juxtaposition of a seemingly idyllic beach destination against the backdrop of a repressive regime underscores the moral dilemmas inherent in engaging with North Korea through tourism. While the resort aims to project an image of modernity and leisure, the underlying realities of the country’s political and human rights situation cast a long shadow over its potential appeal.
Despite the UK government’s travel warnings and the ethical concerns raised by human rights organizations, a Russian travel agency, Vostok Intur, has begun offering package holidays to the Kalma resort. This move further underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding North Korea and the differing perspectives on engagement with the country. The willingness of Russian tourists to visit the resort highlights the unique relationship between Russia and North Korea, which have grown closer in recent years, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision to offer these tours, despite the international community’s condemnation of North Korea’s human rights record and its nuclear weapons program, reflects a calculated disregard for these concerns and a prioritization of political and economic ties.
The promotion of tourism to North Korea raises fundamental questions about the ethics of supporting a regime with a well-documented history of human rights abuses. Critics argue that tourist dollars contribute directly to the regime’s coffers, enabling its continued oppression of its own people. Moreover, visiting North Korea under heavily controlled conditions provides a sanitized and distorted view of the country, effectively whitewashing the harsh realities faced by its citizens. The ethical dilemma lies in balancing the individual’s desire for travel and exploration with the responsibility to avoid complicity in a regime’s human rights violations.
The UK government’s strong advisory against travel to North Korea reflects the inherent risks associated with visiting the country. The unpredictable nature of the North Korean regime, coupled with the lack of consular support for British citizens, creates a volatile environment for travelers. The potential for arbitrary detention, restrictions on movement, and limited access to communication all contribute to the heightened risk profile. Furthermore, the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the unpredictable nature of the regime’s actions add an additional layer of uncertainty and danger for foreign visitors.
The contrasting narratives surrounding the Kalma beach resort – as a potential tourist destination and as a symbol of a repressive regime – highlight the complexities of engaging with North Korea. The resort’s existence raises profound ethical questions about the role of tourism in supporting authoritarian regimes and the responsibility of travelers to consider the human rights implications of their choices. While the allure of exploring a rarely visited destination might be tempting for some, the potential for complicity in human rights abuses and the inherent risks associated with travel to North Korea warrant careful consideration. The story of the Kalma resort serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of tourism, politics, and human rights, urging potential visitors to grapple with the ethical implications of their travel decisions.
