The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone is gaining attention again as North Korea moves to boost tourism. This newly completed beach resort zone, located on the country’s east coast, is set to open to domestic travelers starting July 1. North Korean state media announced the completion ceremony earlier this week.
The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone marks a significant milestone for the country. According to South Korea’s Unification Ministry, construction on the project had long been suspended. However, it resumed last year—possibly with material support from Russia. This suggests North Korea may be aiming to attract Russian tourists next.
Notably, leader Kim Jong-un attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. His wife Ri Sol-ju, their daughter Kim Ju-ae, and sister Kim Yo-jong joined him. This marked Ri’s first public appearance in over a year. The event drew high-profile attention, including the Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexandr Matsegora.
North Korea began developing the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone in 2015. Initially, they aimed to finish it by April 2019, honoring Kim Il-sung’s birth anniversary. However, construction faced delays from sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Only in 2024 did work finally resume.
Currently, hotels and lodges in the zone can accommodate around 20,000 visitors. The resort will first serve North Korean citizens. Yet, officials hinted that international tourism—starting with Russians—may follow soon. The Russian ambassador’s invitation to the event hints at this strategic plan.
A South Korean official noted that tourism helps North Korea earn foreign currency. While tourism itself isn’t a sanctions violation, joint ventures or bulk cash transfers would be. Individual Russian tourists paying their own way could be accepted under current rules.
However, real challenges remain. North Korea’s limited transportation infrastructure could hinder large-scale tourism. Only a few flights connect Pyongyang and Vladivostok. Thus, only about 170 tourists could arrive per day. Furthermore, group tours from China have not resumed since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. As of now, there are no signs of that changing.
In conclusion, the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone reflects North Korea’s ongoing push to revive tourism. Through partnerships and careful planning, the country hopes to attract Russian visitors and expand its tourism economy in the near future.
