North Korea Temporarily Bans Foreign Tourists from Wonsan-Kalma Resort

North Korea has temporarily barred foreign tourists from visiting its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort, a luxury complex that leader Kim Jong Un hailed as a major achievement. The ban was announced without explanation shortly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the site and expressed optimism about attracting Russian tourists. The resort, capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests and featuring hotels, malls, and a water park, had welcomed a small group of Russian visitors following its July 1 opening to domestic tourists. Analysts suggest the ban was triggered by critical media coverage from a Russian journalist who implied that North Korean visitors at the resort were mobilized by authorities rather than genuine tourists, raising concerns about the authenticity of the experience. The decision also comes amid broader military and diplomatic ties between North Korea and Russia, with ongoing plans to encourage Russian tourism despite the halt. However, experts note logistical challenges and potential negative consequences for the site may have influenced North Korea's sudden move to suspend foreign access.