North Korea Inaugurates Wonsan Resort Amid Delays

North Korea has officially inaugurated the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone, a large beach resort on the east coast intended to host up to 20,000 guests and boost the nation's economy through tourism. The opening ceremony was attended by Kim Jong Un, his family, and Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora, marking the completion of years of delayed construction. The resort will open to domestic visitors on July 1, but the timeline for broader foreign tourism remains uncertain as pandemic-era travel restrictions have not been fully lifted. Recent efforts have primarily targeted Russian visitors, while Chinese group tours remain suspended. Experts note that ongoing tensions with Western countries and negative international perceptions are hindering the reopening of international tourism. Kim Jong Un has announced plans for additional large-scale tourist sites to further support economic goals.