North Korea has officially opened the long-delayed Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, with leader Kim Jong Un hailing it as a “new era” in tourism. The sprawling beach resort, located on a 5-kilometre stretch of the country’s east coast, will begin welcoming domestic tourists from July 1, though the timeline for foreign visitors remains uncertain.
🏖️ Inside the Wonsan-Kalma Resort
Dubbed one of North Korea’s most ambitious tourism projects, the resort features:
- 54 hotels, including 17 large and 37 smaller hostels
- A massive indoor and outdoor waterpark
- Mini-golf course, cinema, shopping malls, and video game arcades
- Five beer pubs and dozens of restaurants
- Capacity to host up to 20,000 guests daily
The project, first announced in 2018, faced multiple delays due to construction setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim, who spent part of his youth in Wonsan, envisions the resort as a symbol of luxury and national pride, transforming a former missile testing hub into a tourism showcase.
🌍 Foreign Tourism Still in Limbo
While the resort’s opening ceremony on June 24 was attended by Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora, there is no official timeline for broader international access. A Russian travel agency has reportedly launched tour packages starting July 7, including stays at the Kalma resort and nearby Masikryong Ski Resort.
Western tourists remain largely restricted, with only brief access windows in early 2025 that were abruptly closed. Analysts suggest that Chinese and Russian nationals may be among the first foreign visitors once permissions expand.
🧭 Strategic and Economic Significance
- Tourism is one of the few legal avenues for foreign currency inflow into North Korea
- The resort aligns with Pyongyang’s push to diversify its economy amid sanctions
- The launch coincides with deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, including the resumption of direct rail services
“It’s intriguing to experience something as familiar as a beach resort shaped within North Korea’s unique cultural context,” said Elliott Davies of Uri Tours.
🔁 Share this article to explore how North Korea is blending luxury, legacy, and geopolitics in its bold tourism experiment.
