North Korea is about to launch the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a new beach resort that its leader, Kim Jong Un, envisages as a gateway to enhance tourism in the isolated nation, according to reports from state media. This new development, located on the eastern coast, is scheduled to welcome domestic tourists starting July 1, six years after its original completion date was expected.
The scale of the resort, which stretches over 4 kilometers (approximately 2.5 miles), is impressive, providing accommodations for as many as 20,000 visitors, complete with hotels, dining establishments, shopping centers, and a water park, although these claims remain unchecked. Given North Korea's long history of being heavily sanctioned due to its nuclear pursuits, experts speculate that this move could be an effort to generate revenue.
Tourist access from abroad has been particularly constrained, primarily limited to visitors from China and Russia—nations that have maintained diplomatic ties with Pyongyang. Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed hopes the resort might indicate a broader resumption of international tourism, although skepticism remains regarding its attraction for Western travelers.
The pandemic severely affected overseas tourism, causing North Korea to close its borders in early 2020 and only beginning to lift restrictions mid-2023. Some Western tourists, however, managed to visit in February, but those opportunities quickly ended without explanation.
While some agencies doubt the resort's potential as a tourist magnet, others point out that it's a unique experience in a country where traditional tourism hotspots focus solely on ideological landmarks. The Wonsan development is poised to symbolize a significant step toward revitalizing an industry that holds a "niche appeal" for adventurous travelers, as noted by Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours.
Initially slated for completion in October 2019, construction delays and the global pandemic pushed back its opening. A ceremony marking its completion was held on June 24, attended by Kim, his family, as well as Russian diplomatic representatives—a sign of the strengthened ties between North Korea and Russia amidst ongoing international sanctions.
This development aligns with North Korea's broader strategy following its involvement in Ukraine and reflects its efforts to reopen direct travel routes with Russia after a hiatus of five years, suggesting a gradual shifting landscape for international relationships.
