North Korea to Build First Beach Resort

Hoping to boost tourism with white, sandy beaches and join the ranks of Asian neighbors such as Indonesia and Thailand as a premier summer destination, North Korea is constructing a world-class beach resort, the nation's first.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has unveiled plans to build the nation's first beach resort in the port city of Wonsan, located on the westernmost part of the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean newspaper, Joongang Ilbo. 

A report titled "General blueprint for the Wonsan District," obtained by the publication, calls for construction of three special districts in Wonsan,  reportedly one of Kim Jong-il’s favorite vacation destinations: a financial district, an entertainment and sports area, and a beach destination for summer visitors.

To transform the heavily industrialized area and turn it into a "world-class" resort town, the North Korean government has plans to shut down the automobile plants and shipyards which operate in the city, a source told Joongang Ilbo, according to Canada's CTV News.

The beach resort is just part of Kim Jong-un's plans to develop the Wonsan area as a tourist destination year-round. In May 2013, state-run Korean Central New Agency reported that the nation is also building a ski resort on Masik Hill in Wonsan, according to CNN. The resort will reportedly feature a range of ski runs and a hotel.

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