North Korea Opens Wonsan Kalma Coastal Resort Amid Tourism Ambitions
North Korea has officially unveiled the long-anticipated Wonsan Kalma coastal resort, marking a significant step in leader Kim Jong-un’s vision to elevate domestic tourism and possibly open doors to international visitors in the future. Scheduled to welcome North Korean tourists from July 1, the expansive development spans a 4-kilometer stretch along the east coast.
A New Tourist Destination From a Former Missile Site
The resort, reportedly capable of accommodating up to 20,000 visitors, features a collection of hotels, restaurants, a shopping complex, and even a water park. However, independent verification of these claims remains unavailable. Historically a missile testing zone, the coastal area of Wonsan is undergoing a remarkable transformation under Kim’s direction, who has deep personal ties to the city where many elites hold private villas.
Inauguration Ceremony and Diplomatic Gesture
The completion was commemorated on June 24 with a ceremony attended by Kim Jong-un, his wife Ri Sol Ju—making her first public appearance since January—and their young daughter. Kim hailed the launch as a “great, auspicious event” and a “prelude to a new era” in North Korean tourism. The presence of Russia’s ambassador and embassy staff underscored the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow amid international sanctions.
Tourism Challenges and International Reception
Despite North Korea’s status as one of the world’s most isolated and economically strained countries due to ongoing sanctions over its nuclear program, tourism remains a strategic revenue source. The country has cautiously allowed foreign visitors primarily from China and Russia, with strict controls in place. The COVID-19 pandemic saw borders close completely in 2020, with partial reopening starting in 2023.
Earlier this year, North Korea briefly welcomed a handful of Western tourists, including individuals from the UK, Germany, and Australia, but the influx was suddenly halted without explanation.
Industry Perspectives: Cautious Optimism
Tour operators express guarded optimism regarding the resort’s potential. Some experts doubt Wonsan Kalma will attract large numbers of Western travelers, who often find greater appeal in destinations such as Pyongyang itself or the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Nonetheless, niche travelers intrigued by unique cultural experiences may find the beach resort’s unusual backdrop compelling. As one tour operator put it, experiencing a resort molded by North Korea’s distinct social and political atmosphere offers a rare glimpse into an offbeat destination unlike any other.
Geopolitical Context: Strengthening North Korea-Russia Ties
The resort’s debut coincides with a period of intensified cooperation between North Korea and Russia, despite ongoing Western sanctions. Reports indicate North Korean troop deployments supporting Russia in Ukraine, alongside the recent resumption of direct passenger rail service connecting their capitals since the pandemic outbreak.
While the Wonsan Kalma resort signals North Korea’s aspirations to diversify its economy through tourism, how and when it will fully open to foreigners remains uncertain. For now, the project stands as a bold statement of the country’s ambitions amid persistent global isolation.
