North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially opened a large beach resort on the country’s east coast. The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone stretches across 4 kilometers and includes luxury hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and a water park. It is designed to host up to 20,000 visitors each year.
The grand opening took place on June 24. Kim Jong Un was joined by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Kim Ju-ae, who many believe may one day succeed him. Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora also attended the event, showing the growing ties between North Korea and Russia. Russia is expected to be one of the first countries allowed to send tourists to the new resort.
Construction of the resort began in 2018, but the project was delayed due to technical problems and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the resort was originally set to open in 2019, it will now welcome North Korean tourists starting July 1, 2025. There is no confirmed date for when tourists from other countries, especially from the West, will be allowed to visit.
Early visitors are likely to be North Korea’s wealthy elite and Russian tourists. Some Russian travel agencies have already started offering tour packages to the area. However, most people in North Korea and around the world will not be able to access the site due to strict travel controls and government surveillance.
Experts believe the resort is more about improving North Korea’s image than boosting its economy. Despite the modern features, they say the impact will remain small because of limited access and government restrictions.
Kim Jong Un praised the project as “one of the greatest successes this year.” He views the resort as a symbol of progress and national pride, even though many people in the country still live in poverty.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort is seen as a carefully controlled space for the privileged few. It highlights North Korea’s strategy to promote strength and stability while keeping tight control over who can experience such luxury.
