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PYONGYANG – North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma seaside resort opens its doors on July 1, 2025, marking a significant development in the nation’s tourism ambitions. Despite its grand opening, questions linger about who will visit the resort given North Korea’s isolation and limited tourism infrastructure.
Immediate Impact
The Wonsan-Kalma resort, spanning 605 acres along a 3.5-mile beach, is poised to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors at once. The development, located approximately 100 miles from Pyongyang, can be reached by road in about two hours. Additionally, a dual-use civil and military airport nearby boasts a 10,000-foot runway, though it has yet to see regular commercial service.
Key Details Emerge
Construction of the resort began in 2018, with an initial opening planned for 2019. However, the project faced delays and was abandoned at the onset of the pandemic. Construction resumed in 2023 under the keen oversight of Kim Jong Un, who has a personal connection to the area, having grown up in Wonsan.
20,000 – Capacity of visitors Wonsan-Kalma resort aims to accommodate.
Industry Response
Kim Jong Un’s vision for the resort is ambitious, with plans for high service standards and additional attractions like amusement parks and shopping malls. However, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of attracting international tourists to a country known for its stringent travel restrictions.
What Comes Next
Initially, the resort will welcome only domestic tourists. In the long term, North Korea aims to attract visitors from “friendly” nations such as Russia and China. Russian tourists were given a preview of the resort last year, signaling potential future collaborations.
“North Korea remains one of the most isolated countries in the world, making its tourism market exceptionally challenging.” – Tourism Analyst
Background Context
Before the pandemic, North Korea permitted limited tourism, requiring visitors to travel in groups with government-appointed guides. The pandemic halted tourism, but slow recovery has begun, primarily with visitors from neighboring countries.
Regional Implications
The opening of Wonsan-Kalma represents a shift in North Korea’s tourism strategy, aiming to transform the region into a leisure destination rather than a curiosity for international visitors. The success of this strategy remains uncertain, given the country’s history of incomplete projects, such as the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang.
Timeline of Events
- 2018: Construction of Wonsan-Kalma begins.
- 2019: Planned opening delayed.
- 2023: Construction resumes.
- 2025: Official opening on July 1.
Expert Analysis
According to tourism experts, North Korea’s ability to sustain the resort’s operations and attract a steady stream of visitors will be crucial. The resort’s success could hinge on relaxing travel restrictions and improving international relations.
The announcement comes as North Korea seeks to diversify its economy and showcase its potential to the world. Whether the Wonsan-Kalma resort can fulfill its promise as a world-class destination remains to be seen.
