News Desk: In a rare move to bolster its stagnant economy, DPRK (North Korea) is opening the long-delayed Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone—a sweeping beachside resort that leader Kim Jong Un hopes will jumpstart the country’s tourism sector.
An Ambitious Project, Years in the Making
First announced in 2018 and originally slated to open in late 2019, the project faced repeated delays due to construction setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after six years, Wonsan Kalma will begin accepting domestic tourists on July 1. Access for foreign visitors, however, remains uncertain.
Located along a 4km stretch on the east coast, the resort reportedly boasts hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and even a water park—though none of these claims have been independently verified. DPRK (North Korea’s) state media, KCNA, has called the development a “prelude to a new era” in tourism.
A Personal Project for Kim Jong Un
The seaside town of Wonsan holds personal significance for Kim, who spent part of his childhood there. The area also houses private villas for the country’s elite and once hosted a missile test site. During a ceremony celebrating the resort’s completion on June 24, Kim appeared alongside his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae—marking Ri’s first public appearance since New Year’s Day 2024.
Tourism in a Sanctioned State
DPRK (North Korea) remains under heavy international sanctions for its nuclear weapons program and allocates much of its national budget to military spending and regime propaganda. However, tourism is one of the few legal avenues through which Pyongyang can earn foreign currency.
For now, tourism remains highly restricted. The country reopened to limited international tourism in early 2024 but halted visits again within weeks without explanation. Russian visitors are currently the only foreign nationals permitted in certain regions, and some expect they’ll be the first to visit the new resort.
“There’s a niche appeal,” said Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours. “Some travellers are drawn to places that defy expectations—seeing a beach resort in North Korea is certainly that.”
Limited Western Appeal
Yet some industry experts are skeptical of the site’s ability to attract Western tourists. “It’s unlikely to be a major draw,” said Rowan Beard of Young Pioneer Tours. “Most visitors will still focus on Pyongyang, the DMZ, and iconic sites tied to DPRK (North Korea’s) political narrative.”
Still, the regime seems determined. The resort’s debut coincides with North Korea and Russia deepening ties. Moscow recently welcomed DPRK (North Korean) troops to fight in Ukraine, and both nations resumed direct rail service between their capitals after a five-year pandemic hiatus.
In an isolated nation struggling under sanctions and international scrutiny, the Wonsan resort represents more than a tourist venture—it’s a symbol of defiance, image-making, and Kim Jong Un’s continued push for relevance on the world stage.
