North Korea performs U-turn on new seaside resort

• North Korea has abruptly halted foreign access to its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, just weeks after promoting it as a "world-class" destination.
• The decision follows a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who praised the resort, and comes as Russian tourists had begun visiting the site.
• Despite being celebrated by Kim Jong Un as a "greatest success", North Korea's official tourism site announced foreign visitors are "temporarily not accepted" without providing a reason.
• The resort, which opened on 24 June after years of delays due to international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic, was intended to be a crucial source of income.
• Analysts speculate the ban may be temporary, suggesting the resort might still be undergoing final development or that authorities have concerns about opening it to foreigners.

IN FULL

North Korea bars foreigners from recently unveiled ‘world class’ beach resort