North Korea Opens Wonsan Beach Resort to Boost Tourism

North Korea has opened a long-delayed beach resort on the country’s east coast in an effort to boost tourism, according to state media. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area officially welcomed domestic visitors on July 1, marking six years since its planned completion. The government has not announced when foreign tourists will be allowed to visit.

Located in Wonsan, a port city where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly spent much of his childhood, the new resort spans a 4-kilometer beachfront and is said to include hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park. North Korean media claims the site can accommodate up to 20,000 guests, though these details remain unverified.

Wonsan was previously known for its missile testing, but Kim has pushed to transform it into a tourism hub. The resort’s completion ceremony on June 24 was attended by Kim, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju, marking her first public appearance in months. Russian diplomats were also present, reflecting growing ties between North Korea and Russia.

Although North Korea reopened to a limited number of foreign tourists in early 2024, international tourism remains heavily restricted. Tour operators note that most foreign visitors currently come from China and Russia. Some agencies are skeptical about the resort’s appeal to Western travelers, who typically favor destinations like Pyongyang and the DMZ.

Still, tour organizers say the resort may attract niche travelers interested in experiencing familiar settings—like a beach resort—within North Korea’s unique cultural context.