North Korea’s Hot Springs and Tourism Push

This week, some unusual images emerged from North Korea as Kim Jong-un celebrated the renovation of the Onfo Labor People’s Vacation Camp, a spa complex featuring heated pools and saunas.

The extravagant state propaganda emphasizing Onfo’s hot springs seems to align with the Kim regime’s efforts to rebrand its struggling and oppressive image into something resembling a desirable tourist spot. Throughout Kim’s rule, other projects like a large ski resort and developments along the Wonsan coast were also initiated. While North Korea has generated modest tourism income for many years, interest significantly declined after the tragic case of American tourist Otto Warmbier in 2017.

In the recent broadcasts, Kim was depicted wearing a large winter coat as he explored an indoor hot springs pool. He was seen chatting with visitors in swimsuits near the pool, seemingly engaged in their enjoyment of the facilities.

Following an outdoor event during which enthusiastic crowds expressed “boundless respect” for Kim, he took a tour of the renovated facility. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), one of the few authorized media outlets in North Korea, reported on the enthusiasm surrounding the event, emphasizing the cultural impact purportedly stemming from the efforts of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

KCNA noted that Kim had previously visited the hot springs back in 2018, expressing anger over their poor state. This dissatisfaction reportedly set off a lengthy, eight-year restoration process.

Kim was quoted criticizing the officials about their approach and the outdated facilities, emphasizing the need for a grand plan to enhance the holiday camp’s convenience and better meet the cultural needs of the people.

During the event, Kim remarked on the “foundational” role of hot springs in civilization and stressed the importance of caring for these resources. He mentioned the connection between natural resource development and the improvement of citizens’ well-being as a key aspect of the government’s priorities.

Kim referred to the hot springs as a symbol of “socialist civilization,” and KCNA added that numerous new tourist spots are being developed across the nation to benefit daily life. Reports suggest that Onfo’s facilities are expected to open fully by February. Yet, the stark reality is that daily life in North Korea is heavily monitored, with a strict system ranking individuals based on their loyalty to the regime. Many citizens live in poverty, facing restrictions on travel, worship, and access to foreign media. Those caught engaging with outside influences may face severe punishments, including labor camps or worse.

The country is known for its extreme suppression of religious freedom, particularly against those who do not revere the Kim family. Recently, the humanitarian organization Open Doors labeled North Korea as the worst country for Christians in their annual World Watch List, highlighting the severe consequences for individuals caught practicing Christianity.

As the world expressed interest in Kim’s initiatives regarding the hot springs, KCNA announced the opening of a new seaside resort at Yummjin Coastal Park. Although Kim did not attend, officials praised the resort’s hotels and beach facilities, emphasizing its cultural significance and attractions.

The KCNA featured reports about the new Dumamjin Haeyang Hostel, which can accommodate several hundred guests and includes various amenities like theaters and shops, presenting it as a cultural resort for the people.

Yongbunjin has been introduced as a second beachfront destination for tourists. In earlier developments, the Wonsan Karma project was launched last year, offering similar attractions to selected visitors.

North Korea has historically catered to domestic elites and Chinese tourists eager for “red tourism,” which often attracts those nostalgic for communist history.