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(Image: REUTERS)

His latest brainwave is to turn his backward state into a surfing haven.

Tourism fell by 40% last year in North Korea – and it is hoped the water sport will help boost figures.

Despot Kim has reportedly given permission for a surfing camp to be held on the east coast – and a group of 20 surfers are on their way.

Nicola Zanella – an Italian surfer and Chinese national surfing team coach – and Andrea Lee – chief executive of US travel company Uri Tours – are said to be leading the group.

Nicola said he believes the communist country has a lot of surfing potential.

He said: "It looks like there are wild forests that lead to pink or yellow sand bays.

(Image: GETTY)

"It is promising for surfing, as the cliffs protect the bay from wind coming off the ocean, but at the same time leaves the bay completely exposed to coastal storms."

The camp is being held this month – because Zanella hopes to be benefit from wind and waves from the north-east and east – possibly from a monsoon that could blow from Japan.

The £1,800 trip will offer participants a ride on the Pyongyang metro, a visit to the demilitarised zone bordering South Korea.

Surfers will have to bow before statues of former leader Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.