Lesson made on July 5, 2025
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Reading Lesson:
North Korea has just opened a huge new beach resort called the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone. It’s on the country’s east coast and was built to help the economy by bringing in more tourists. The government says the resort has space for nearly 20,000 people.
Even though the resort is ready, it is only open to people who live in North Korea. Foreign tourists are still not really allowed to visit, and the country hasn’t said when it will fully reopen to international visitors. This is a problem because most of the money from tourism usually comes from people visiting from other countries.
State media showed pictures of North Korean families enjoying the new resort. Kids were playing with beach balls and floating in the sea, and people wore bright swimsuits while relaxing under umbrellas. At the opening ceremony, leader Kim Jong Un said the resort was one of the country’s biggest achievements this year. He also said it was just the beginning, and that more tourist areas like this will be built around the country.
Before Covid-19, most of the tourists who came to North Korea were from China. But Chinese group tours have not started again, and there are some problems in the relationship between the two countries. North Korea allowed a few foreign tourists to visit a different city called Rason earlier this year, but that trip option ended quickly.
Right now, only a small number of Russian tourists are being allowed in. In fact, only about 900 Russian tourists visited North Korea last year, which isn’t enough to really help the tourism industry.
Comprehension Quiz:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. Would you want to visit the beach resort in North Korea? Why or why not?
2. Do you think tourism is good or bad for a country? What are the benefits and problems?
3. What do you know about North Korea?
More Reading Practice
International Travel to North Korea
It is possible to travel to North Korea, but it is not easy. Most people who go there must join a tour group. Tourists are not allowed to travel around by themselves. They must stay with their guides the whole time and follow their instructions closely.
Only a few countries have travel deals with North Korea. People from the United States, South Korea, and Japan usually cannot go, or it is very difficult for them to get permission. In some cases, their governments even warn them not to travel there at all.
The North Korean government controls what visitors see. Tourists can visit places like museums, monuments, and some cities, but not everything. Taking pictures is only allowed in certain places. People are not allowed to take photos of soldiers, construction areas, or poor neighborhoods. If someone breaks the rules, they may be questioned, fined, or even arrested.
Before going, travelers must get a special visa through a North Korean travel company. The whole trip must be approved in advance. Visitors must also follow the country’s laws and customs, even if they are very different from what they are used to. Travel to North Korea is possible, but it is very strict and should be done with great care.
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