North Korea has, however, been looking to boost its tourism offerings in an effort to revitalize its ailing economy. After decades of sustained embargo, Kim said the opening of Wonsan Kalma would be a “proud first step” in bringing to life the government’s vision of a thriving tourism market.

North Korea has completed construction on a massive tourist resort boasting colourful water slides and swimming pools, a pet project of leader Kim Jong Un.

The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone has hotels and other accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests who can swim in the sea, engage in sports and recreation activities, and eat at restaurants and cafeterias on site,