In a bold move to revitalize its economy and reintroduce itself to the global tourism market, North Korea has officially inaugurated the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Resort—a sprawling beachfront destination along the country’s scenic eastern seaboard. Often referred to by South Korean media as “North Korea’s Waikiki,” the resort is part of Pyongyang’s ambitious initiative to diversify its economy, attract foreign capital, and position itself as an emerging player in Asia’s tourism landscape.
Located in Wonsan, a port city on the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Kalma resort development boasts a 5-kilometer stretch of beachfront property equipped with modern hotels, recreational facilities, water parks, and luxury amenities. Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors at full capacity, the complex aims to serve both domestic tourists and, gradually, international guests as North Korea continues to reopen its borders post-COVID-19.
Russian Tourists Mark Return of International Visitors
The launch of the resort coincides with the return of international tourism to North Korea following years of pandemic-induced isolation. Starting July 7, 2025, a group of Russian tourists is scheduled to be the first foreign group to visit the resort as part of an 8-day package tour that includes guided excursions to Pyongyang and Wonsan. This reintroduction of foreign tourists represents a cautious yet significant step in North Korea’s reopening strategy.
According to state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), visitors described the resort as “a marvel of modern tourism” and praised its facilities, which include luxury accommodations, beachside leisure zones, and water slides. Government-released images depict smiling tourists and high-ranking officials enjoying the new space, emphasizing its status as a top-tier national achievement.
Strategic Goals Behind the Resort
The Wonsan Kalma project has been touted as a centerpiece of Kim Jong-un’s economic agenda. First announced in 2013 and initially slated to open in 2019, the resort faced years of construction delays, compounded by international sanctions and pandemic-related border closures. Nevertheless, North Korea’s leadership sees tourism as a key soft-power tool and potential foreign currency generator—especially amid ongoing economic hardship and global isolation.
State media has declared the resort “one of the greatest achievements of the year,” with plans underway to replicate similar tourist zones in other parts of the country. The coastal development is part of a broader vision that includes the modernization of transport infrastructure, development of aviation hubs near Wonsan, and expansion of leisure travel offerings.
Challenges to Growth and Expansion
Despite the grand opening, several logistical and political challenges remain. South Korea’s Unification Ministry has noted that limited accessibility to Wonsan from Pyongyang—North Korea’s capital and international entry point—could constrain the resort’s ability to attract large-scale tourism. Currently, the infrastructure supports only about 170 visitors per day, far below the resort’s stated capacity.
Furthermore, North Korea’s reputation for tightly controlled travel, strict surveillance, and limited freedom of movement remains a major deterrent for most Western tourists. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese travelers accounted for the majority of foreign visitors to the DPRK. Though there have been small upticks in tourist activity from Russia and select Western countries in 2024 and early 2025, mass tourism remains unlikely without significant policy shifts.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
Analysts suggest that Russia’s involvement in North Korea’s tourism revival may not be purely economic. Speculation continues around a possible quid pro quo, where Pyongyang’s political or material support for Moscow—especially in the context of Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine—may be reciprocated through infrastructure aid or economic collaboration. Such partnerships could explain the prioritization of Russian tourists for the Wonsan Kalma rollout.
Additionally, the resort’s grand opening serves diplomatic and symbolic purposes. It aims to show the world that despite sanctions and isolation, North Korea is capable of developing high-end, internationally appealing infrastructure. It also provides a visual contrast to the often one-dimensional portrayal of the country in international media.
Looking Ahead
While North Korea’s broader tourism strategy is still in its infancy, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area represents a tangible step toward economic diversification. The leadership’s focus on tourism, infrastructure investment, and international outreach—even if limited—marks a shift in tone from past years of isolation and hardline rhetoric.
To succeed long-term, however, the country will need to address significant hurdles: improving accessibility, increasing transparency, easing restrictions on foreign travel, and building trust with the international community. Whether Wonsan Kalma will evolve into a thriving hub for global travelers or remain a domestic prestige project hinges on how the regime navigates these economic and diplomatic complexities.
In the meantime, the soft surf of Wonsan’s beaches, the pastel-colored resort hotels, and the carefully curated tourist packages offer a glimpse of how North Korea envisions its future—one where tourism plays a critical role in reshaping its economic identity on the world stage.
Read more travel news, stay updated- follow Global Travel Wire.
Disclaimer: This image is AI generated and may bear no resemblance with actual fact or images.
