North Korea leader Kim Jong Un arrives in Russia via train
North Korea is desperately scrambling to attract Russian tourists facing Western sanctions to its near-empty ski resort as the two nations continue to strike closer ties.
The Hermit state is hoping to take advantage of Vladimir Putin’s illegal war by drawing Russian citizens to the Masikryong Ski Resort in the Wonsan region.
Footage released by a state broadcaster shows a delegation from Primorsky Krai in Russia being welcomed to the destination.
Photos show Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako and other members wearing skiing gear and seemingly enjoying the slopes.
The regional delegation has now met with top North Korean officials to discuss plans for greater travel connections, state media reports.
It comes as Russian Far East authorities hope to set up new travel links with the Asian totalitarian nation.
North Korea has proposed new rail, sea and air routes as it scrambles to ramp up its tourism industry.
In a press release, it detailed plans to promote tours for children and adults. It also proposes a regular train service from the Russian Far East city of Ussuriysk to Tumangang and Rajin, near the North Korean/Russian border.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is reportedly hoping to transform the near-deserted $27million winter sports resort, which has been open since 2013.
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He has been quoted saying that the resort “is ready to welcome Russian visitors”.
But the destination struggled to attract a significant number of tourists since opening.
At least 5,000 skiers are reportedly needed per day to break even at the $38-a-day resort.
It was constructed by the military, with the second-hand lifts bringing you to the top of the slopes bought second-hand from China.
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Visitors are offered access to a restaurant adjacent to Mount Taehwa, with rented equipment costing as much as $127.
But Rowan Beard, tour manager of Young Pioneer Tours, told NK News that traveling from Vladivostok to Rason or Pyongyang by rail is “slow and can be unreliable”.
This may discourage Russian tourists as traveling to the resort could take “a lot of time”, he said.
But he added that arriving by ferry “would be more scenic, smooth, comfortable and add a unique aspect to travel to North Korea.”
Last month, Russia said it would continue to cosy up with North Korea in “all areas.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “North Korea is our neighbour and we continue and will continue to develop close relations in all areas.”
It came after Moscow was accused of accepting weapons supplies from Pyongyang, which Russia denied.
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Last month, Russia said it would continue to cosy up with North Korea in “all areas.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “North Korea is our neighbour and we continue and will continue to develop close relations in all areas.”
It came after Moscow was accused of accepting weapons supplies from Pyongyang, which Russia denied.
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