A Glimpse into North Korea’s New Beach Resort

These videos give an unfiltered look at North Korea’s new beach resort and the country’s efforts to attract foreign tourists. The footage was filmed by Daria Zubkova, a Russian tourist who was one of the first to stay at Wonsan Kalma resort on the east coast. This massive tourist zone is a pet project of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and part of his vision to modernize the country and boost the economy. Its success hinges on striking a balance between bringing in foreign tourists, while controlling what kind of outside information seeps into the country. So in July, the resort welcomed the first group of tourists from Russia. Zubkova says she was part of a group of Russian travelers who each paid about $1,400 for the week-long trip. It started with a train ride in Pyongyang. After the 10-hour journey, they arrived at Kalma beach, a former military drill site that’s now lined with hotels. Zubkova said within the confines of the resort, they weren’t always monitored, but their interactions with regular North Koreans were restricted. The Russians also had two dedicated tour guides, and the resort was staffed with a large medical team. Zubkova said the trip to North Korea mostly felt like any other she’s taken abroad, with some exceptions. The travel agency said the internet was available, but her emails would be monitored by hotel staff. There was a television in her room, but it only aired Russian, Chinese and North Korean programs. Two days after the Russian tourists left the country, The North Korean authorities announced that they would temporarily stop accepting foreign visitors and didn’t give a reason.