North Korea Launches Beach Resort Project as Kim Jong Un Eyes Tourism Boost

North Korea is set to unveil a new beach resort aimed at boosting tourism within its borders, according to reports from state media. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, located on the country’s east coast, will open to domestic visitors on July 1, six years later than initially planned. While the resort is expected to accommodate up to 20,000 guests, it remains uncertain when international tourists will be welcomed. The development comes as North Korea seeks to enhance its tourism sector amid ongoing economic challenges.

Resort Features and Capacity

The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is designed to stretch over a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) beach and is equipped with various amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park. State media, specifically the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), claims that the resort can host up to 20,000 visitors at a time. However, the authenticity of these claims remains unverified. The resort’s construction faced significant delays, initially slated for completion in October 2019, but was postponed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim Jong Un, who has personal ties to the area, attended a ceremony marking the resort’s completion on June 24, alongside his family and Russian diplomatic representatives.

Impact of Sanctions and Tourism Trends

North Korea has faced heavy sanctions for decades due to its nuclear weapons program, which has severely impacted its economy. The country is considered one of the poorest globally, with a significant portion of its resources allocated to military expenditures and the maintenance of monuments that glorify the ruling Kim family. Observers suggest that the new resort could serve as a means for the regime to generate revenue. While foreign tourists have been allowed, the majority of tour groups typically come from China and Russia, nations with which North Korea has maintained friendly relations. The pandemic significantly affected international tourism, leading to border closures in early 2020. Restrictions were only eased in mid-2023, allowing limited Russian visitors, while Western tourists were briefly welcomed in February before tourism was halted again.

Mixed Reactions from Tour Operators

Reactions from tour operators regarding the Wonsan resort’s appeal to international visitors are mixed. Some, like Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, express skepticism about the resort’s ability to attract Western tourists, suggesting that traditional sites such as Pyongyang and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) will remain the primary attractions. In contrast, Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours, believes that North Korea’s unique cultural context could provide a niche appeal for travelers interested in unconventional destinations. KCNA has characterized the resort’s opening as a “great auspicious event” and a “prelude to the new era” in tourism for the country.

Geopolitical Context and Future Prospects

The opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort occurs amid a backdrop of strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in light of sanctions imposed by Western nations. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, further solidifying their partnership. Additionally, a direct passenger train route between Pyongyang and Moscow has recently reopened after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Some tour operators anticipate that the resort will primarily cater to Russian tourists, who are currently the only foreign nationals permitted in certain areas of North Korea. As the country navigates its tourism strategy, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone represents a significant development in its efforts to revitalize the sector.

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