North Korea’s much‑anticipated Wonsan‑Kalma coastal resort has taken a significant step toward international tourism—albeit cautiously. On August 9, 2025, Vladivostok-based travel agency Vostok Intur began marketing all-inclusive tour packages to the newly completed resort, opening what may be a rare window into one of the world’s most elusive destinations. While access remains limited, particularly due to earlier restrictions, this development signals North Korea’s growing interest in targeted tourism, especially from neighboring markets like Russia.
A Grand Opening Delayed—and Re-Opened
The Wonsan‑Kalma complex, officially inaugurated on June 24, 2025, was hailed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as one of the year’s “greatest feats.” The resort was designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors and includes hotels, sports facilities, restaurants, a water park, and an expansive beach—drawing inspiration from Mediterranean-style resorts. Kim noteed its importance for sparking domestic travel culture and promoting the regime’s image of prosperity. His wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae joined the public ceremony, bolstering the resort’s role in projecting family unity and regime resilience.
Initially, the complex was limited to North Korean citizens, with full access to foreign tourists paused in mid-July 2025. DPR‑Korea Tour, the country’s tourism authority, announced that the Wonsan‑Kalma zone was “temporarily not receiving foreign tourists,” providing no further explanation or timeline.
Yet, just weeks later, Russian tourists began to slip through the cracks. A small delegation of around 15 visitors experienced lavish ten-course meals, pristine beaches, and attentive service—a sign that North Korea may be easing foreign access selectively.
Vostok Intur’s Bold Tour Offering
Vostok Intur’s tour, launching on August 25 and running into early September, offers an 8-day, 7-night itinerary priced at approximately USD 1,250–1,850 per person. The journey begins with travel from Vladivostok to Khasan Station by bus, followed by a train crossing at Tumen River into North Korea. Travelers stay at a 4-star hotel in Wonsan, enjoy full board, and are accompanied by Russian-speaking guides throughout.
Why Now—and Why Wonsan?
The turn towards modest, controlled tourism reflects broader economic and strategic priorities. North Korea has long eyed tourism as a revenue source, yet has grappled with international sanctions, the COVID-19 shutdown, and diplomatic isolation. The Wonsan‑Kalma project, originally slated to open years earlier, was repeatedly delayed due to these hurdles.
Situated along the scenic eastern Sea of Japan coast, Wonsan is no stranger to tourism development. The city has seen ongoing infrastructure investments—ranging from the Kalma airport to tram lines and ski resorts—in hopes of transforming it into a regional leisure hub.
Tourism Amid Tensions: Opportunities and Constraints
Tourism into North Korea remains tightly controlled. Most foreign tourists must travel in guided groups, with limited freedom and cultural exposure. Western visitors, especially from the U.S. or South Korea, face significant restrictions due to diplomatic tensions and travel bans.
Still, tourism from China and Russia appears most viable long-term. Prior to the pandemic, Chinese visitors comprised over 90 percent of foreign tourists to North Korea; today, Russia is taking an increasingly prominent role.
What Travelers Can Expect
Vostok Intur’s package gives guests a curated preview of North Korea: time on Wonsan’s sandy shores, cultural tours, local cuisine, and a rare look into the country’s leisure sector—though tightly framed and controlled. For Russian travelers, this presents a unique chance to explore an isolated neighbor.
Looking Ahead
While commercial tourism remains limited, small-scale ventures like this could pave the way for more international engagement—carefully managed and economically targeted. Wonsan-Kalma is not intended to become a mass-tourism hotspot, but its opening provides a test case in how North Korea balances openness with control.
In summary, Vostok Intur’s tours to the Wonsan-Kalma resort illustrate a tentative, strategically curated expansion of tourism in North Korea. For adventurous travelers and cultural observers, it offers a rare and carefully mediated glimpse into one of the most closed countries today—set against the dramatic backdrop of a carefully choreographed beach destination.
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