North Korea has officially opened the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a sprawling beachfront resort on the country’s eastern coast, marking a significant step in its efforts to bolster its tourism industry. The resort, hailed by state media as a “national treasure-level tourism city,” was inaugurated by leader Kim Jong Un on June 24, 2025, in a ceremony attended by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, daughter Kim Ju Ae, and Russian embassy officials. The project, which began in 2014 and faced multiple delays due to sanctions, material shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic, is now set to welcome domestic tourists starting July 1, 2025, with limited foreign access expected soon.
A Mega-Resort for a Reclusive Nation
The Wonsan-Kalma resort, spanning a 5-kilometer stretch of coastline, is North Korea’s largest tourism development to date, boasting accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests. The complex features 54 hotels, indoor and outdoor waterparks, a minigolf course, a movie theater, dozens of restaurants, five beer pubs, two video game arcades, and multiple shopping malls. Strategically located near the newly built Kalma Train Station and Kalma International Airport, the resort is designed to attract both domestic elites and foreign visitors, particularly from Russia, as part of North Korea’s push to generate foreign currency.
Kim Jong Un, who personally oversaw the project through at least seven site visits, described the resort’s completion as “one of the greatest successes this year” and a “proud first step” toward developing a world-class tourism industry. State media emphasized the resort’s role in promoting “socialist civilization” and regional economic growth, with plans to develop additional large-scale tourist zones across the country.
Current State of North Korean Tourism
North Korea’s tourism sector remains heavily restricted, shaped by its isolationist policies and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program. The country sealed its borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting foreign tourism entirely. Since 2023, it has cautiously reopened to select visitors, primarily Russian nationals, amid strengthened ties with Moscow, including a mutual defense treaty and expanded economic cooperation. In April 2025, Pyongyang hosted a marathon with about 200 foreign runners, marking a rare instance of international participation.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort’s opening is primarily aimed at domestic elites, such as Pyongyang’s party officials and high-ranking figures, due to strict domestic travel controls. However, Russian travel agency Vostok Intur has announced week-long tours starting July 7, 2025, including four nights at the resort, priced at approximately $1,840. These tours, which also include visits to Pyongyang and the Masikryong Ski Resort, signal a gradual return of foreign tourism, though access remains tightly controlled with guided itineraries.
Chinese tourists, who accounted for over 90% of pre-pandemic visitors, are yet to return in significant numbers due to unresolved diplomatic tensions between Pyongyang and Beijing. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s substantial investment in the resort—likely costing hundreds of millions despite the use of forced labor—will necessitate opening to Chinese tourists to ensure economic viability.
Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the fanfare, experts question the resort’s appeal and long-term success. Dr. Edward Howell of the University of Oxford noted that “Wonsan-Kalma is hardly a tourist hotspot,” citing North Korea’s strict social controls and limited appeal to Western travelers. Traditional tourist sites like Pyongyang and the DMZ remain the primary draws for niche travelers seeking unconventional destinations. The resort’s scale, compared to Spain’s Benidorm but owned by a single entity, is unprecedented, yet its isolation and lack of transparency raise concerns about accessibility and ethical tourism.
International sanctions, which restrict foreign investment and luxury goods, have further complicated the project. Reports indicate difficulties in sourcing high-end furnishings, and the resort’s completion relied heavily on domestic resources. While North Korea promotes the resort as eco-conscious to attract sustainability-minded travelers, human rights observers highlight the stark contrast between the lavish development and widespread poverty across the country.
Looking Ahead
The Wonsan-Kalma resort represents a bold gamble by Kim Jong Un to diversify North Korea’s economy through tourism, one of the few sectors not directly targeted by UN sanctions. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some praising the project’s self-reliance under sanctions, while others question who will fill its thousands of rooms given the country’s restricted access. As North Korea plans to formalize further tourism expansions at the ruling party’s next congress, the resort’s success will hinge on balancing controlled visitor experiences with the need for foreign revenue.