Domestic Tourism in a Controlled Society
Tourism within North Korea has always been a highly regulated experience. Most citizens never travel far from their hometowns. Movement is controlled through a system of travel permits, which are granted based on an individual’s political status, employment, and loyalty to the regime. Leisure travel, especially to destinations like the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort, is an alien concept to the average North Korean.
The opening of this new resort seems tailored toward two primary demographics:
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The political elite, who already have access to better living conditions, privileges, and mobility.
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Politically reliable middle-class workers, particularly those from Pyongyang, who are often used as examples of the state’s “benevolence” and modernity.
A vacation to Wonsan Kalma is likely to be less of a spontaneous choice and more of a state-organized reward, similar to how factory workers or military personnel are occasionally rewarded with visits to leisure centers like Munsu Water Park or Masikryong Ski Resort. These “privileges” are granted to foster loyalty and maintain control, not to encourage free movement or independent exploration.