North Korea has officially opened its Wonsan Kalma beach resort, a pet project of leader Kim Jong Un, as part of efforts to develop the country’s tourism sector. The sprawling complex, located on the east coast, will welcome domestic tourists starting July 1, though it remains unclear when—or if—foreign visitors will be permitted.
Originally slated for completion in 2019, the Wonsan Kalma Tourist Zone faced years of construction delays before finally opening. State media KCNA claims the resort spans 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of coastline and can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park. However, independent verification of these facilities remains impossible due to North Korea’s strict media restrictions.
Kim Jong Un, who spent part of his youth in Wonsan, has long sought to transform the area into a premier tourist destination. The city, once home to a missile testing site, is also where many of the country’s elite maintain private villas.
Tourism in North Korea: A Challenging Industry
As one of the world’s most heavily sanctioned nations, North Korea has struggled to attract international tourists beyond a limited number of visitors from China and Russia. The country’s borders shut completely during the Covid-19 pandemic, only reopening in mid-2023.
In February 2024, North Korea briefly allowed Western tourists—including travelers from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia—to enter via China. However, the government abruptly suspended tourism weeks later without explanation.
Will Foreign Tourists Flock to Wonsan? Experts Are Skeptical
While KCNA hailed the resort’s opening as a “great, auspicious event” and the “prelude to a new era” in tourism, industry experts remain doubtful.
Rowan Beard of Young Pioneer Tours noted that while the resort may attract domestic visitors, it is “unlikely to be a major draw for Western tourists.” He added that key attractions like Pyongyang, the DMZ, and communist landmarks will likely remain the primary draws for international visitors.
However, Elliott Davies of Uri Tours suggested that the resort could appeal to niche travelers intrigued by the idea of a North Korean beach experience.
The resort’s opening coincides with deepening ties between North Korea and Russia. Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora attended the inauguration ceremony alongside Kim Jong Un, his wife Ri Sol Ju, and their daughter Kim Ju Ae—marking Ri’s first public appearance since New Year’s Day.
Notably, Russian tourists are currently the only foreigners permitted in certain parts of North Korea, raising speculation that they may be granted access to Wonsan Kalma. The two nations have also recently resumed direct train travel between Pyongyang and Moscow after a five-year hiatus.
A Bold Move Amid Economic Struggles
Despite its ambitious tourism plans, North Korea remains one of the poorest countries globally, with most resources funneled into its military and propaganda projects. The Wonsan resort represents a rare civilian investment, though its long-term viability remains uncertain.
For now, the resort stands as another showpiece project for Kim Jong Un—one that may attract curious visitors but is unlikely to significantly alter North Korea’s isolated economic reality.
