Overview

• North Korea’s official DPR Korea Tour site announced on July 18 that the Wonsan-Kalma zone is “temporarily not accepting” foreign visitors with no reopening date.
• Domestic tourism has continued since July 1, while only a small group of Russian guests and high-level visits like Sergey Lavrov’s July 12 trip preceded the ban.
• Satellite imagery and analysis from the 38 North program indicate that key buildings remain unused and rooftop pools are still unfilled.
• Reports estimate a weeklong stay at the resort costs about US$1,800, roughly 60 percent of the average Russian monthly salary, limiting interest.
• Officials have not explained the suspension, leaving the regime’s plan to generate hard currency from international tourism uncertain under ongoing sanctions.