North Korea’s ‘Benidorm’: First Foreign Tourists Weigh In
# Russian Tourists Discover north Korea’s Seaside Charm, Defying Expectations
## A Glimpse Beyond the Iron Curtain: North Korea Opens Doors to Russian Holidaymakers
While the image of North Korea as an oppressive and totalitarian dictatorship may not easily mesh with the idea of a Benidorm-style holiday destination for many, one Russian tourist was pleasantly surprised by her trip. Anastasiya samsonova, a 33-year-old HR manager, shared her positive experience, stating, “We saw nothing terrible there, there is no danger there.” She added, “Frankly speaking, we really liked it. The hotel was absolutely new. Everything was done very beautifully, a good interior…Very developed infrastructure.”
Despite the country’s documented history of horrific human rights abuses and network of gulags, earning it global condemnation for all but eradicating free speech, Anastasiya reported feeling a sense of freedom during her stay. ”we were interested in seeing how peopel live there,” she explained. “There were a lot of prejudices about what you can and can’t do in North Korea,how you can behave. But actually, we felt absolutely free.”
### A Thaw in Relations: North Korea and Russia’s Growing Alliance
North Korea’s warm reception of Russian holidaymakers comes amid a closening relationship between the two countries. This burgeoning alliance was solidified with the signing of a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024. Kim jong Un has also provided notable military support for Russia‘s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Supreme Leader has pledged “unconditional support” for Vladimir Putin‘s operations in the region, following the dispatch of approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers to the frontline.
### Nostalgia and New Beginnings: The Appeal of north Korea for Russian Tourists
The arrival of the first Russian tourists coincided with the launch of direct passenger flights between Moscow and Pyongyang for the first time in decades. This development has been met with enthusiasm, with one tour guide suggesting that North Korea’s strict communist rule appeals to visitors nostalgic for the Soviet Union.Irina Kobeleva, director of the Vostok Intur travel agency, described North Korea as “an amazing country, unlike any other in the world.” She elaborated, “It is a country where you will not see any advertising on the streets. And it is very clean – even the asphalt is washed.” Kobeleva noted that the primary demographic for these tours consists of older individuals who are drawn to the perceived similarities between contemporary North Korea and the former Soviet Union.However, she also highlighted a “huge growing demand around young people,” indicating a broader appeal for this unique travel experience.