North Korea's Benidorm-style resort welcomes first Russian tourists

A Tale of Two Nations

Russians commuting to a newly-built resort on North Korea's east coast have become the first foreigners to visit the isolated state for tourism purposes since the pandemic. The resort - modeled on Spain's Benidorm - is part of efforts to boost the economy in the impoverished East Asian nation.

Suspension of Tourism

The resort was opened in July and is located in the city of Wonsan, which is a regular tourist destination for North Koreans. However, foreign tourists have been banned from entering the country since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Joint Venture

The resort is jointly managed by a Russian company and a North Korean state firm. Other foreigners, including from China and elsewhere in Asia, are expected to follow once travel restrictions are lifted.