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North Korea, the world’s most secretive nation, remains a mystery to billions of people. However, for Anastasiya Samsonova, this nation has revealed its secrets. After a week-long holiday in North Korea, she returned with a fresh perspective.
“Our visit was uneventful and safe. We actually enjoyed it a lot,” shares the 33-year-old HR manager.
As part of a group of 15 Russian tourists, Samsonova visited a new seaside resort that had been grandly opened by North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, in June.
Her holiday photos depict a serene setting with a white sand beach, sparkling seas, and high-rise hotels. What’s missing? People. The resort, currently, is open only to Russian tourists.
[Image: Anastasia Samsonova at the Wonsan-Kalma beach resort in North Korea]
The absence of other visitors seemed unperturbed Samsonova. She appreciated the newness of the hotel and its developed infrastructure.
[Image: Anastasia Samsonova enjoying a meal on a train in North Korea]
When asked why not choose destinations like Turkey or Thailand for a holiday, she explained that the group wanted to understand North Korean life firsthand, countering common misconceptions about the country.
[Image: Anastasia Samsonova reading a North Korean newspaper]
Samsonova’s visit underlines the growing interest among Russians to explore North Korea. As allies, the countries have strengthened ties, with economic cooperation leading to North Korean products appearing in Russian markets and the launch of direct flights to Pyongyang.
[Image: North Korean apples on sale in Russia]
However, the transformation into a holiday hotspot seems ambitious. Vostok Intur, a travel agency, expresses optimism. With two weekly tours, the company envisions North Korea as a unique travel destination, distinct from the Soviet Union era.
[Image: Irina Kobeleva, director of Vostok Intur travel’s Moscow office]
The agency’s tours are reportedly gaining popularity, appealing to both nostalgic older travelers and young adventurers. The tours offer an unusual itinerary that includes monuments, golf courses, and ski slopes, showcasing a deceptive paradise without people.
While the demand grows, exemplified by customers like Pavel, a young travel enthusiast, and Tatiana, fulfilling her late husband’s dream, the question remains whether North Korea can become a mainstream holiday destination. Priced at around £1,500 for a week,
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/russian-tourists-are-holidaying-at-a-new-north-korean-seaside-resort-but-whats-it-really-like-13405090
