North Korea has enacted a special law concerning the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, set to open in June. However, the specific details of the law have not been disclosed.
The Workers’ Party of Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that the 35th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Thursday. Choe Ryong-hae, chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, presided over the meeting, which was attended by vice-chairmen Kang Yun-sok and Kim Ho-chol, along with other committee members.
The newspaper stated that during this plenary session, the law for the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Special Zone was reviewed and adopted. This marks the first enactment of a special law for a specific tourist area since the 2011 Mount Kumgang Tourist Special Zone Law.
Previously, in March 2023, North Korea announced the adoption of a Tourism Law aimed at promoting domestic tourism while expanding international tourism, ensuring tourist convenience, and actively protecting the ecological environment. This law reportedly outlines principles applicable to the entire tourism industry.
The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Special Zone Law may include provisions related to foreign investment. Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, has been developing this area as a new tourist destination since 2014. The establishment of large-scale resort facilities has raised speculation about potential investments from China and Russia.
Additionally, the newspaper reported that during this plenary session of the Supreme People’s Assembly Standing Committee, laws on labor management and soil pollution prevention were enacted. Some appointments for Central Court judges and people’s assessors were also made.