Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has refuted recent Western media reports suggesting that North Korea closed its brand-new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort to foreign tourists following a visit from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In her statement, Zakharova called the claims ‘fake’ and accused Western media outlets, particularly those affiliated with the United States, of spreading disinformation. She described the allegations as ‘classic lies’ and attributed them to the ‘spite’ of Washington’s military and political elite, which has seen its strategy of pressuring North Korea fail.
The closure of the resort was reportedly due to ongoing pandemic restrictions that have been in place in North Korea since February 2020. The Russian government noted an exception for tourists from the Russian Federation, who have been visiting the country since early 2024. Lavrov’s visit to the resort was intended to highlight the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. During talks with North Korean officials, Lavrov described the facility as ‘great,’ expressing support for increasing tourism and transport links between the two nations.
Russia is also taking steps to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with North Korea. Nordwind Airlines is set to launch direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang later this month, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. The Russian government has emphasized its commitment to strengthening cooperation with North Korea, including efforts to boost tourism, which has seen a modest increase in the number of Russian visitors to the DPRK. According to the deputy governor of the Primorye Region, where Vladivostok is located, around 1,500 Russian tourists visited North Korea last year, indicating a growing interest in the region despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and international sanctions.