North Korea Unveils Wonsan Beach Resort in Push for Tourism Growth

Despite North Korea's ongoing sanctions and economic struggles, the nation is set to launch the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, sparking interest in boosting its tourism industry. While domestic tourists will be welcomed from July 1, foreign visitor timelines remain uncertain.

North Korea is set to launch its Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a beach resort that aims to enhance tourism in the isolated country, as announced by state media. The resort, positioned on the eastern shoreline, will open its doors to domestic tourists on July 1, a full six years behind schedule. Details on when it will welcome international visitors remain unclear.

This development comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeks to revitalize Wonsan, a place where he grew up amidst luxury, and which was once known for missile testing. State-run KCNA reports that the resort will house up to 20,000 visitors along its 4-kilometer beachfront, featuring amenities such as hotels, eateries, shopping areas, and a water park. However, these claims remain impossible to verify independently.

With decades of heavy sanctions primarily due to its nuclear ambitions, North Korea continues to grapple with economic challenges. The regime typically allocates most of its budget to military expenditures and large-scale monuments that pay homage to the Kim dynasty's legacy, which has been in control since 1948.

Experts suggest that tourism could provide a viable avenue for revenue generation for Pyongyang. Most foreign tourism has historically been linked to travelers from China and Russia, nations that maintain friendly relations with North Korea. Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, expressed hope for a wider return to international tourism but noted that such a scenario does not currently seem imminent.

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted global tourism, leading North Korea to close its borders in early 2020. Only in mid-2023 did the country begin to relax these restrictions, allowing a limited number of Russian visitors. Meanwhile, some western tourists, including those from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, were permitted entry in February only to see tourism mysteriously suspended weeks later.

Skepticism surrounds the resort's appeal to international tourists, with Beard stating it is unlikely to attract a significant number of Western visitors. Instead, key sites in Pyongyang and the DMZ are expected to remain the main focuses of interest.

Conversely, Elliott Davies from Uri Tours describes North Korea's offerings—like the new resort—as holding a niche appeal for adventurous travelers intrigued by unconventional destinations. According to KCNA, the Wonsan venture is hailed as a landmark development signaling a “new era” in tourism.

Originally scheduled to debut in October 2019, progress was stymied by construction setbacks and pandemic delays. The completion celebration on June 24 was attended by Kim, his daughter Kim Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju, with the Russian ambassador and embassy members present. Given the recent collaboration between North Korea and Russia amidst Western sanctions, some anticipations are high that Russian tourists may soon find themselves welcomed to the resort. Notably, North Korean troops have been deployed to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, a direct passenger train route between North Korea and Russia has reopened after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations.