North Korea woos Russian tourists with beach getaway ads
North Korea is enticing tourists to visit its beaches. Advertisements have appeared online, featuring happy Russians enjoying their time in the country.
11:11 AM EDT, October 11, 2024
In January this year, North Korea opened its borders to tourism for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. In February, official reports indicated that approximately 100 Russian tourists visited North Korea for a four-day skiing trip. Now, the focus is on promoting summer resorts.
North Korea entices tourists
The regime's television recently released several video commercials online aimed mainly at young Russians, attracting them with miles of pristine beaches in the hermit kingdom.
These videos, shot on Majeon Beach in South Hamgyong Province, depict fit, attractive Russians strolling by the sea, playing on the sand and in the water, or enjoying beach volleyball games. The scenes portray an idyllic setting, encouraging visitors to spend rubles on trips to North Korea.
Interestingly, the ads show women dressed in bikinis, even though such Western swimwear is banned in the totalitarian state. However, local authorities generally do not require tourists to adhere to the same dress standards as local residents.
Kim and Putin's alliance
In recent years, Russia and North Korea have been strengthening their alliance. During a June visit to North Korea, Vladimir Putin signed a mutual assistance agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, pledging support in the event of an attack on either nation.
Putin witnessed cheering crowds in Pyongyang and attended lavish ceremonies, complete with a guard of honor featuring soldiers on horseback. A large gathering of civilians, including children, held gigantic portraits of both leaders.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
