North Korea plans resort for foreign tourists in missile tests province
NORTH Korean ice hockey players greet South Korean rivals in a new sign that tyrant Kim Jong-un is eager to ease tensions.
The Olympic women’s teams shook hands as Kim’s regime unveiled a scheme to build a “world level” resort to lure foreign tourists.
The secretive nation gave few details but said it will be in Kangwon, an area used for controversial missile tests.
South Korea, host of next month’s Winter Olympics, recently decided to participate in joint sporting and cultural events in the region.
North Korea’s state-run news agency said the “Wonsan-kalma coastal tourist area” would include a “famous sandy beach”, possibly the one recently used for a dramatic artillery barrage. It added: “It will satisfy the demand of domestic and foreign tourists.”
This week, South Korean officials travelled to Wonsan to inspect the Masik Pass ski resort and nearby Kalma airport.
Kim sees tourism as a way to bolster the economy and bring in needed foreign currency.
Last year, America banned its citizens from visiting North Korea.
More than 237,000 Chinese visited in 2012, the last figures available. Twelve North Korean players will form a women’s ice hockey team with their southern counterparts at the Winter Games.
It will satisfy the demand of domestic and foreign tourists
KIM’S REGIME
ON PLANS FOR A GRAND RESORT