Introduction
North Korea has officially opened the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on its east coast, a major project personally promoted by leader Kim Jong Un that faced significant delays. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim attended an inauguration ceremony on June 24, 2025, marking the completion of the resort intended to boost tourism.
Contents
Project Overview and Vision
Located on North Korea’s eastern coast, the Wonsan Kalma tourist zone is a key component of Kim Jong Un’s long-term plan to develop the country’s tourism industry. The project aimed to transform the area, which was already a popular local vacation spot, into a large-scale international-standard destination inspired by “Korean-style tourism.”
Inauguration Ceremony and Features
According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un expressed “great satisfaction” with the completed resort during the inauguration event. The agency stated the Wonsan Kalma area is designed to accommodate around 20,000 visitors.
The vast complex reportedly includes extensive facilities for sunbathing along a four-kilometer beach, various sports and amusement options, commercial services, and diverse accommodation types available year-round. North Korea has indicated plans to continue building more large-scale tourist zones.
Context: Development Challenges and Sanctions
The Wonsan Kalma project reportedly opened six years later than its initial target completion date. Development of the multi-billion dollar zone proceeded without foreign partners, primarily due to international economic sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear weapons programs.
While tourism itself is not a sector directly targeted by United Nations sanctions, the broader financial restrictions and isolation limit Pyongyang’s ability to attract foreign investment and collaborate on such large-scale projects. North Korea typically prioritizes state resources towards its military and major construction projects in the capital, Pyongyang.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter attend the inauguration ceremony for the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone on June 24, 2025, cutting the ribbon to open the facility.
Tourism Policy and Reopening
KCNA confirmed that the new Wonsan Kalma beach resort is scheduled to open its doors to domestic visitors starting July 1. There was no immediate mention of allowing international tourists.
North Korea closed its borders in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While restrictions have been gradually easing since 2023, the reopening to international visitors has been cautious and limited. Russia was among the first countries whose citizens were allowed to visit North Korea in organized tour groups starting in 2024. Pyongyang also hosted a marathon in April 2025 that included some foreign participants, although regular capital tourism often remains restricted.
Diplomatic Ties and Tourism Collaboration
Significantly, the Russian ambassador to North Korea and embassy staff were present as special guests at the Wonsan Kalma opening ceremony.
This attendance highlights the growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which includes efforts to expand tourism between the two countries. Recently, a direct commuter train service between Moscow and Pyongyang was reportedly restarted for the first time since 2020, facilitating travel between the capitals.
Conclusion
The official opening of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone represents a significant development in North Korea’s efforts to build its tourism sector, despite facing delays and international sanctions. The resort is set to initially welcome domestic visitors in July, signaling a potential step in the country’s slow and controlled reopening following pandemic border closures. The presence of Russian officials at the ceremony also underscores strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, including cooperation in tourism initiatives.
