- 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.
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