North Korea readies beach resort for more tourists after Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s trip

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a newly constructed train station at the Wonsan Kalma beach resort, a key project aimed at enhancing tourism in the country. The inspection, which took place on June 24, highlights North Korea's efforts to revitalize its tourism sector, a crucial source of revenue amid international sanctions.

This development comes weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang, where he committed to deepening tourism cooperation between China and North Korea. The Wonsan Kalma resort, a personal project of Kim's, features extensive accommodations, including luxury hotels and villas, alongside a waterpark and an airport. Kim praised the workers for completing the modern railway station in just one year.

During his visit to the resort, Kim also toured a new first-aid post and announced plans to build modern hospitals in 20 cities and counties annually. This focus on infrastructure and healthcare appears to be part of a broader strategy to improve living standards and attract visitors.

Tourism has been a significant, albeit limited, source of income for the Kim regime. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea welcomed approximately 100,000 Chinese tourists each year. The country has gradually eased border restrictions, signaling a desire to increase inbound travel.

Coinciding with these tourism initiatives, Kim also supervised tests of multiple weapons systems, including a multiple rocket launcher, self-propelled gun-howitzer, and tactical ballistic missile. KCNA reported Kim stating that North Korea's self-defense policy aims at "further strengthening the deadly and destructive offensive posture to make no enemy dare to confront."

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further strengthening the deadly and destructive offensive posture to make no enemy dare to confront