North Korea Launches Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone
North Korea has officially opened its latest beachfront getaway, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, marking a significant moment in the country’s bid to revive tourism. After nearly seven years of development, Kim Jong Un personally attended the unveiling, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae and wife Ri Sol-ju. Notably, Kim Jong Un appeared in a dark suit and tie instead of his usual Mao suit, signaling the resort’s importance.
Exclusive Opening Ceremony and Diplomacy
The opening event showcased the resort’s amenities while highlighting the state leader’s endorsement of the project as one of North Korea’s “greatest feats” this year. Kim praised the resort as a “brilliant reality” resulting from over a decade of dedication and investment, emphasizing its potential to transform the country’s tourism culture.
The ceremony also featured Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora as a special guest, underscoring the strategic ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
A Peek Inside the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort
Stretching across about 5 kilometers (3 miles) of pristine coastline on the Kalma Peninsula, the resort is a sprawling complex that includes:
- 54 hotels
- An indoor and outdoor waterpark
- A mini-golf course
- A movie theater
- Multiple shopping malls
- Dozens of restaurants and five beer pubs
- Two video game arcades
Originally slated to open much earlier, the project faced delays caused by construction challenges and pandemic-related disruptions since it began in 2018.
Opening to Domestic and Select International Visitors
The resort will officially welcome domestic tourists starting July 1. Foreign tourism remains heavily restricted due to lingering Covid-era policies, but in a rare exception, a Russian tour operator, Vostok Intur, has scheduled a week-long group visit beginning July 7.
The itinerary for these select travellers includes:
- Flying from Pyongyang to Wonsan on July 8
- Four nights at the new beach resort
- One night at the nearby Masikryong ski resort
- A day of sightseeing back in the capital
Context: Tourism and Geopolitics in North Korea
Tourism represents one of the few sources of revenue not hampered by United Nations sanctions. However, the Wonsan project proceeded largely without foreign partnerships, as sanctions and diplomatic isolation persist due to North Korea's weapons activities.
Since sealing its borders in 2020 amid the pandemic, the country has cautiously begun easing restrictions since 2023. Russian tourist groups are among the few foreign visitors allowed, though much of the country, including Pyongyang, remains off-limits to regular tourists.
Interestingly, in April, North Korea hosted an international marathon featuring foreign runners, signaling tentative steps toward reopening.
