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North Korea has announced the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Resort on its eastern coast, a luxurious beach destination set to welcome domestic tourists next month, according to state media KCNA. The resort, spanning 4 kilometers, is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors daily and features hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park. However, these claims remain independently unverified. The project, initially slated for a 2019 launch, faced a six-year delay due to construction challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resort’s inauguration on June 24 was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and his wife Ri Sol Ju, marking her first public appearance since the New Year. Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora and other diplomats were also present. Wonsan, once known for missile testing, is being transformed into a tourism hub under Kim’s vision, an area where the country’s elite own private luxury homes.
Analysts suggest the resort could serve as a new revenue stream for North Korea, a nation facing economic challenges due to decades of sanctions over its nuclear program. While primarily for domestic tourists, it remains unclear when foreign visitors will be allowed. Currently, Russian tourists are the only foreigners permitted to visit certain parts of the country.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea sealed its borders in early 2020, only easing restrictions in mid-2023. In 2024, borders briefly opened for tourists from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, but were unexpectedly closed again weeks later.
Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed disappointment that the resort does not yet signal a broader reopening for international tourism. However, Elliot Davis, director of Uri Tours, highlighted North Korea’s unique appeal as an “unconventional destination.”
KCNA described the resort as a “great and auspicious event” for the nation, heralding a “new era in tourism.” The project aligns with strengthened ties between North Korea and Russia, including the recent resumption of direct train services between Pyongyang and Moscow after a five-year hiatus. Allegations also persist that North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Despite its ambitious scale, skepticism remains among some tour operators about Wonsan’s appeal compared to major attractions like Pyongyang or the DMZ. The resort’s success and its potential to attract international visitors, particularly beyond Russia, remain uncertain amid North Korea’s economic constraints and heavy military spending.
AI/MR
