Miles of white sand, turquoise waters, and rows of pristine beachfront inns line the shore on the newly constructed Wonsan-Kalma resort. North Korean chief Kim Jong Un hopes the event can be his nation’s reply to Waikiki. But there’s one drawback: the vacationers aren’t there. When CNN reviewed footage from the resort, which opened in June, solely a handful of Russians may very well be seen on the huge stretches of seashore. The remainder of the world appeared empty.
The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone has lengthy been one in all Kim Jong Un’s pet tasks, often showcased in state media. Its pastel-colored inns, water parks and beachfront promenades have been constructed to broadcast a message: North Korea is open for enterprise.
The actuality on the bottom tells a distinct story. Strict Covid-19 protocols stay in place. Tourists are restricted virtually solely to tightly managed Russian teams. Chinese and Western guests are nonetheless banned.
CNN senior worldwide correspondent Will Ripley studies. #CNN #News
