The Wonsan-Kalma resort closure has raised questions about North Korea’s readiness to welcome international visitors. On Friday, the state-run tourism website DPR Korea Tour posted a notice stating the beach resort will no longer receive foreign tourists for now. The site is operated by North Korea’s National Tourism Administration.
Officials did not give a reason for the suspension. They also did not clarify when the closure began or when it might end. This announcement comes less than a month after the resort officially opened with major promotion.
North Korea unveiled the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in a ceremony on June 24. Officials claimed the beach resort could accommodate 20,000 guests. However, the sudden Wonsan-Kalma resort closure now casts doubt on those claims.
Satellite images reviewed by 38 North, a U.S.-based monitoring site, reveal that construction is still ongoing. Photos taken around July 12 show unfinished buildings and inactive facilities. This includes a large hotel that appears unused.
During this same period, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited the area. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. Despite the high-profile visit, the images suggest the resort was not fully operational.
Russian media also covered the situation. Reporters and tourists noted that the beaches were mostly empty. This observation directly contrasts with state-released images showing vacationers enjoying the sand and sea.
Furthermore, Russian outlets like Izvestia reported that tour packages cost between $1,600 and $1,800 per person for one week. Observers noted that this pricing may be too high for Russia’s middle class. Most workers there earn between $670 and $2,000 per month.
Initially, domestic guests were expected to begin visiting on July 1, according to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency. Yet, the Wonsan-Kalma resort closure now puts both domestic and foreign access into question.
This move reflects broader challenges facing North Korea’s tourism strategy. The country continues to promote new destinations, but limited infrastructure and high prices remain issues.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort closure suggests the site is not yet ready for international tourism. Officials have yet to confirm when it will reopen to foreign visitors.
