The ‘world-class tourist destination’ where foreigners are banned

• North Korea has abruptly halted foreign access to its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, just weeks after its official launch.
• The decision follows a high-profile visit by Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, who was the resort's "first foreign guest" and lauded its facilities.
• No official explanation has been given for the sudden ban on foreign visitors to the site, which was promoted as a "world-class tourist and cultural destination”.
• The Wonsan-Kalma resort, a major project delayed by sanctions and the pandemic, is crucial for North Korea's tourism income.
• Analysts speculate the halt may be due to ongoing development or concerns about foreign access, though some believe it will be temporary given the regime's need for foreign currency.

IN FULL

North Korea abruptly bars foreigners from recently unveiled ‘world class’ beach resort days after Lavrov visit