Kim seeks to enhance tourism in North Korea
Pyongyang views tourism as crucial for driving economic growth and fostering cultural development. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
**Pyongyang Views Tourism as Crucial for Economic Growth and Cultural Advancement**
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the importance of harnessing the country's “rich and diverse” tourism assets, considering the sector vital for regional revitalization and economic advancement.
During a recent inspection of the Kalma coastal tourist zone, Kim highlighted the nation’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, asserting that it was “envied by the world” and integral to his plans for growth, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.
“Our country has rich and diverse tourist resources... along with its political stability, institutional advantages, and material and economic conditions essential for the development of the tourist industry,” Kim stated.
According to him, a robust tourism industry could “open up a new realm of socialist cultural construction” and “promote regional rejuvenation and national economic growth.”
The Kalma coastal tourist zone, situated on the Kalma Peninsula along the East Sea, is set to open in June 2025 and will feature hotels, entertainment complexes, and service centers. Kim reportedly expressed “great satisfaction” with the progress of the area’s development, noting that its infrastructure was suitable for hosting state-level political and cultural events.
During his visit, Kim called for the creation of additional tourism routes, suggesting connections between the Mt. Kumgang tourist area and the Kalma zone. He also proposed enhancing mountaineering tourism in the Samjiyon area while prioritizing the protection of natural resources.
There are indications that foreign tourism in North Korea is starting to recover. In February 2024, a group of 100 Russian tourists arrived in Pyongyang, marking the first visit of its kind since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, according to the Russian Embassy in North Korea. Though official statistics are limited, pre-pandemic estimates indicated that North Korea received around 100,000 foreign tourists each year, predominantly from China.
North Korea is known for being one of the most heavily regulated travel destinations in the world, with stringent entry requirements for foreign visitors. Tourists must obtain a visa in advance through a North Korean embassy or an authorized travel agency, as independent travel is prohibited. Visitors can only participate in organized tours and are accompanied by government-appointed guides throughout their stay. While navigating this process is feasible with the assistance of specialized agencies, it remains highly controlled.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the importance of harnessing the country's “rich and diverse” tourism assets, considering the sector vital for regional revitalization and economic advancement.
During a recent inspection of the Kalma coastal tourist zone, Kim highlighted the nation’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, asserting that it was “envied by the world” and integral to his plans for growth, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.
“Our country has rich and diverse tourist resources... along with its political stability, institutional advantages, and material and economic conditions essential for the development of the tourist industry,” Kim stated.
According to him, a robust tourism industry could “open up a new realm of socialist cultural construction” and “promote regional rejuvenation and national economic growth.”
The Kalma coastal tourist zone, situated on the Kalma Peninsula along the East Sea, is set to open in June 2025 and will feature hotels, entertainment complexes, and service centers. Kim reportedly expressed “great satisfaction” with the progress of the area’s development, noting that its infrastructure was suitable for hosting state-level political and cultural events.
During his visit, Kim called for the creation of additional tourism routes, suggesting connections between the Mt. Kumgang tourist area and the Kalma zone. He also proposed enhancing mountaineering tourism in the Samjiyon area while prioritizing the protection of natural resources.
There are indications that foreign tourism in North Korea is starting to recover. In February 2024, a group of 100 Russian tourists arrived in Pyongyang, marking the first visit of its kind since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, according to the Russian Embassy in North Korea. Though official statistics are limited, pre-pandemic estimates indicated that North Korea received around 100,000 foreign tourists each year, predominantly from China.
North Korea is known for being one of the most heavily regulated travel destinations in the world, with stringent entry requirements for foreign visitors. Tourists must obtain a visa in advance through a North Korean embassy or an authorized travel agency, as independent travel is prohibited. Visitors can only participate in organized tours and are accompanied by government-appointed guides throughout their stay. While navigating this process is feasible with the assistance of specialized agencies, it remains highly controlled.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
