North Korea halts foreign visits to newly opened coastal resort

ISTANBUL

North Korea has temporarily banned foreigners from visiting its newly opened Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, the country's national tourism authority said Friday, just weeks after the resort began welcoming guests.

The decision was reported by NK News, a US-based outlet focused on North Korea, citing an announcement from the country’s National Tourism Administration.

Located on the country’s east coast, the sprawling resort sits along a stretch of white sand beach on the East Sea. It includes more than 400 uniquely designed buildings, along with water parks, sports facilities, and a range of entertainment and dining venues.

The site officially opened earlier this month and was promoted domestically as a signature project of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State media framed the launch as a “gift” to the people, highlighting the resort as an example of what it called “people-first politics” and a new model for the country’s tourism sector.

North Korea did not provide a reason for the sudden suspension of foreign visits or indicate how long the ban would remain in effect.