North Korea’s 'Benidorm' resort bans foreign visitors - despite bid to bring tourists

'North Korea's Benidorm' has already banned foreign tourists. (Image: Getty)

International visitors have been banned from North Korea's massive new beach resort following its grand opening. The Wonsan Kalma complex, unveiled by leader Kim Jong-un at the end of June and dubbed the North Korean Benidorm, boasts a capacity for nearly 20,000 guests and includes accommodation, a shoreline, sporting venues, and restaurants.

Kim declared it would be remembered as "one of the greatest successes this year" and hailed the location as "the proud first step" towards advancing tourism. However, only North Koreans can experience the facilities. DPR Korea Tour, a platform operated by the nation's tourism officials, announced that the resort "is temporarily not receiving foreign tourists".

A Russian journalist claimed the visitors were actually government operatives. (Image: Getty)

No additional information was provided regarding the reasons behind the ban or how long it would last. Shortly after its launch, a limited number of Russians were the only foreign tourists to visit.

North Korea may have stopped international visitor access after a Russian journalist wrote a damning story about the Wonsan Kalma resort.

Accompanied the Russian foreign minister, the journalist suggested the people at the resort were government operatives rather than genuine guests.

Kim has been pushing to make North Korea a tourist destination as part of efforts to revive the isolated country’s struggling economy.

Wonsan Kalma, with a 2.5 mile beach, is one of Kim’s most-discussed tourism projects, and state media reported North Korea will also confirm plans to build large tourism areas in other parts of the country.

Photos shared by state media show the leader taking in the views and watching someone go down a slide.

Despite the dangers Westerners may face if allowed to visit, Brits have voiced their desire to go.

Holiday planners On The Beach opened a link for people to express their interest, which racked up more than 250 sign-ups from Brits within a month.