North Korea has unveiled the Wonsan Kalma beach resort, a key project in its strategy to bolster domestic tourism and stimulate the economy. The resort, designed to accommodate around 20,000 visitors, marks a significant step forward in leader Kim Jong Un's tourism initiatives.
The grand opening, attended by Kim Jong Un and his family in late June 2025, showcased North Korean families enjoying various beach activities and water slides. Despite the resort's capacity, international tourism remains limited due to ongoing border restrictions and other challenges.
While North Korea has partially reopened its borders since 2022, large-scale foreign tourism is still restricted. Chinese tour groups have not resumed, and a trial for international tourists in Rason was short-lived. A modest number of Russian tourists have visited, with a group scheduled to visit Wonsan Kalma and Pyongyang in July 2025.
The Wonsan Kalma resort is part of a larger effort to revive North Korea's tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted by international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, initially proposed in 2014, faced delays but is now seen as a crucial step in advancing the country's tourism industry.
Challenges persist in attracting international tourists, including limited transportation options and ongoing border restrictions. Furthermore, some facilities, including several hotels, are still under construction, which may affect the resort's ability to host large numbers of tourists.
In conclusion, the opening of the Wonsan Kalma beach resort is a notable development in North Korea's tourism sector. However, the full realization of its potential as a major international tourist destination faces ongoing challenges.