Expanded coastal beach resort stretches over 4 kilometers in Wonsan-Kalma, North Korea
In a significant move for North Korea's tourism industry, the long-anticipated Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is set to welcome visitors from July 1, 2025. The grand resort, described by North Korea's state media KCNA as a world-level tourist cultural resort, spans a 4-kilometer stretch of coastline and boasts the capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 guests [1][3][4].
The resort's official opening was graced by North Korea's state leader, Kim Jong Un, who expressed his satisfaction with the development. The Russian ambassador, Alexander Matsegora, and embassy staff were also present during the event [1]. In a sign of early foreign tourist engagement, the first Russian tour to the resort is reportedly scheduled for July 2025 [1][2].
The Wonsan-Kalma resort offers a variety of amenities, including water slides, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it an attractive destination for leisure tourists seeking beach holidays and sports activities [1][2]. However, the return of Chinese tourists to North Korea remains uncertain, as the country gradually reopens its international tourism sector [1].
The resort's opening marks the initial step in Kim Jong Un's vision to develop cultural tourism in North Korea. He views the Wonsan-Kalma resort as a stepping stone towards a broader tourist culture in the country [1]. The North Korean government also plans to reveal more large-scale tourist areas in the future [6].
It is worth noting that North Korea's tourism industry is still partially closed to international visitors due to ongoing pandemic restrictions and geopolitical tensions. As a result, Western visitors are unlikely to be a significant presence immediately [1][3]. Nevertheless, the North Korean government is eager to attract Chinese and other international visitors to make the resort financially viable, given the large investment and limited domestic budget [1].
In conclusion, the initial wave of tourists for the Wonsan-Kalma resort will primarily consist of domestic North Koreans and Russians, with plans to expand to Chinese and other foreign tourists as the country gradually reopens its international tourism sector [1][3][4]. The resort's opening is a significant milestone for North Korea's tourism industry and a testament to the country's commitment to developing its cultural tourism sector.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, June 25). North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma resort opens to tourists. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-62968142 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 1). North Korea opens Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort to Russian tourists. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/north-korea-opens-wonsan-kalma-tourist-resort-to-russian-tourists [3] Reuters. (2025, July 1). North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma resort to open to tourists on July 1. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-wonsan-kalma-resort-open-tourists-july-1-2025-06-30/ [4] Yonhap News Agency. (2025, June 29). North Korea to open Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone to domestic tourists first. Retrieved from https://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2025/06/29/0201000/202506290100000084.html [6] KCNA. (2025, July 1). Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone Opened. Retrieved from https://www.kcna.kp/en/content/e20250701_1/ [7] The Diplomat. (2025, June 28). North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Resort: An Initial Look. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/north-koreas-wonsan-kalma-resort-an-initial-look/
- The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a world-level eco-resort and tourist cultural destination, spans a 4-kilometer stretch of coastline and can accommodate up to 20,000 guests.
- The resort's official opening was attended by North Korea's state leader, Kim Jong Un, and the Russian ambassador, Alexander Matsegora.
- The first Russian tour to the Wonsan-Kalma resort is reportedly scheduled for July 2025.
- The resort offers amenities like water slides, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it an attractive destination for leisure tourists.
- The return of Chinese tourists to North Korea remains uncertain, as the country gradually reopens its international tourism sector.
- Kim Jong Un views the Wonsan-Kalma resort as a stepping stone towards a broader tourist culture in North Korea, part of his vision to develop cultural tourism.
- The North Korean government plans to reveal more large-scale tourist areas in the future.
- The resort's opening is significant for North Korea's tourism industry, aiming to attract Chinese and other international visitors to make the resort financially viable.
