Hampered by shortage of fixtures, foreign currency
Beachfront hotels. A Ferris wheel and concert venue. Bubbling fountains and twinkling lights. This could be the world’s next big vacation destination—and it’s all planned for North Korea.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is stumping for “a sprawling resort complex” near his birthplace in Kangwon Province to bring new revenues to an economy currently hindered by international sanctions.
The Supreme Leader hopes to attract 1 million tourists annually when the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone opens, according to Thae Yong Ho, a former minister at the North Korean Embassy in Britain. Thae, who defected to South Korea in 2016, told Asahi that about 170 structures are already in place, but the country has been unable to import interior decorations and fixtures because of its foreign currency shortage.
“Pyongyang wants to earn income from rents of buildings while commissioning companies from China and South Korea to install the interiors of the buildings and manage the facilities,” Thae said.
A video rendering of the hotel includes coastal hotels and entertainment amenities including the Ferris wheel, concert hall and fountains. Thae said North Korea has distributed a pamphlet designed to attract foreign investors.
Kim has ordered the complex to be operational by October 10, the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea, but the deadline has already been delayed three times.
