North Korea's 'Ibiza'-inspired luxury resort to welcome tourists: Questions and concerns linger
The Sun website reports that North Korea's dictator, Kim Jong Un, intends to unveil a luxurious resort by the summer of 2024. The center, currently under construction in Wonsan-Kalma, is reportedly modeled after Spain's famous Ibiza.
11:33 AM EST, January 23, 2024
As announced, the resort will feature a leisure center on the western coast, comprising a water park, hotels, and an airport.
"Korean Ibiza" anticipates welcoming tourists from 2024
With over 150 buildings, the resort's construction is already nearly 90% complete.
The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Economic Affairs is currently focusing on garnering foreign investments, most likely from China and Russia, and importing necessary materials, according to The Sun.
Kim Jong Un's ambition aligns with a broader plan to rejuvenate North Korea's tourism industry. The government hopes to host international guests and generate income in foreign currency.
Will the contentious idea of a "Korean Ibiza" transform into a thriving tourism initiative? Only time will tell. UK experts estimate that the resort, scheduled to open in 2024, will likely start accommodating guests only in 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs discourages travel to North Korea
How will the strict admission policy factor in? The state-of-the-art resort allegedly plans to implement more straightforward visa regulations, permitting entry to tourists from Europe, among other places. Nonetheless, it's crucial to remember that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against any travel to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The Korean Peninsula has been shadowed by political and military tension for years, especially concerning the DPRK's ballistic missile tests and nuclear trials.
The prospect of vacationing in a North Korean resort appears contentious, not just for safety considerations. Spending money in this newly established resort could imply support for the local regime.
Source: The Sun
