By This was all so predictable even when they first made the announcement to start these tours:
A dozen years after it began as a symbol of warming inter-Korean relations, the North wants to freeze South Korean tourism at Mount Kumgang.
South Korea yesterday condemned the North’s decision late Thursday to suspend South Korean facilities and expel South Korean officials from the resort. The North also said it would seek a new business partner to run the tour programs.
The South Korean government on Thursday and again yesterday denounced the declaration as “very regrettable.”
“North Korea’s unilateral move violates inter-Korean agreements and runs counter to international regulations,” said Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung, reiterating the point made in the ministry press release late Thursday.
“This announcement must be withdrawn immediately. Problems surrounding Mount Kumgang must be resolved through inter-Korean dialogue. We state once again that all responsibilities stemming from this move lie with North Korea.”
The announcement may be a gambit to pressure South Korea to resume the tours, which have been on hold since a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier after she ventured into a restricted zone at the resort in July 2008. [Joong Ang Ilbo]
You can read more at the link, but I feel no sympathy for anyone losing money on business deals with the North Koreans because business dealings with North Korea always end on bad terms after the regime squeezes as much money out of the deal as possible.
4:49 am on April 10th, 2010 1
Why not? They know they can get away with it. I mean heck, they sunk a ship and the South didn't do anything so the norK's obviously know they're not going to do anything over a few assets.
I wonder how far norK is will to push things. More so, I wonder how far the South is will to let them push.
7:32 am on April 10th, 2010 2
This is a stupid move by the north. They needed the tourism money.
7:34 am on April 10th, 2010 3
And still need the tourism money.
9:29 am on April 10th, 2010 4
Cue the bully from the Simpsons, pointing: "Ha ha!"
Cue Bugs Bunny, laughing: "What a maroon."
Will they never learn. The norKs are even more corrupt and less likely to abide by a contract than the South Koreans or even the Chinese. Everyone who lost deserves it and should get a bonus kick in the nuts.
…and then there is always the aspect that giving money to and conducting business with the norKs might make one a traitor in some peoples eyes.
10:16 am on April 10th, 2010 5
One South Korea company has turned a profit in North Korea…Yes, just one. Makes you wonder why they even bother.
10:21 am on April 10th, 2010 6
Tax write offs (it would make the gamble worth it for them, despite the terrible odds)? An attempt to stifle Chinese investment in North Korea? Fear that a collapse will negatively affect the South Korean economy? Probably all of these.
12:45 pm on April 10th, 2010 7
Curious as to wether the complex at Kaesong is still operating. Haven't heard much about it in the news lately. I'm sure Kaesong is a much bigger money source than Mount Kumgang.
If Kaesong is still up and operating under the radar, then the threat is minimal.
4:55 pm on April 10th, 2010 8
Looks like they may invite a Chinese company to take over the tours-
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=…
10:19 pm on April 10th, 2010 9
TBS-English FM radio in Seoul is reporting that a Chinese tourism company began selling tour packages to Kumgang some time before this announcement so a deal was appears to have been already in place.
12:32 pm on April 12th, 2010 10
Honestly, how many Chinese tourists are willing to pay good money to go out in the sticks in North Korea?