North Korea’s Leader Urges Tourism Development to Boost Economy
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on the country to tap into its “rich and diverse” tourism potential to revitalize the region and drive economic progress. Kim made the remarks during a visit to the new tourist zone of Kalma, a coastal region on the Japanese Sea.
Kim praised the natural beauty and cultural heritage of North Korea, which is envied by the world, according to reports. He expressed satisfaction with the development of Kalma, saying the infrastructure is suitable for hosting political and cultural events at the state level. The Kalma Peninsula tourist zone, set to open in June 2025, will feature a range of modern facilities, including hotels, entertainment complexes, and service centers.
A dynamic tourism sector can open up a new area of socialist cultural construction, promote regional revitalization, and drive economic growth, Kim said. The Kalma resort is a key part of this vision. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying, “Our country has rich and diverse tourist resources, as well as political stability, institutional advantages, material and economic conditions that are essential for the development of the tourism industry.”
Kim also called for the development of more tourism routes and outlined concrete measures to further advance the sector, including the conduct of scientific research, the establishment of legal standards for tourism development, and the production of various souvenirs. Kim expressed confidence that North Korea has the potential to make the Kalma zone a world-class destination for both domestic and international visitors.
While international tourism in North Korea is strictly limited, it is showing early signs of recovery. On February 9, 2024, a group of 100 Russian tourists arrived in Pyongyang, the first since the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.