Kim Jong an open a new resort in North Korea. What faults were announced and what the travel agencies say
Kim Jong one and his family were at the Wonsan Kalma's work ceremony on June 24, 2025. Credit: Str / AFP / Profimedia
North Korea opens a resort on the coast, and the leader of the communist country, Kim Jong Un, hopes that tourism will be stimulated, according to reports in the state press, reports the BBC.
Located on the eastern coast, Wonsan Kalma will open for tourists on July 1, six years after it was ready. It is unclear when he receives foreigners.
Kim has grown in luxury in Wonsan, where much of the country's elite has private villas, and tried to transform the locality, which once housed a missile test site.
The state press agency, KCNA, claims that the resort can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors, occupying a 4 -kilometer beach portion, with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and a water park – none of the declared facilities can be checked.
Under harsh sanctions for decades because of its nuclear weapons program, North Korea is among the poorest countries in the world. He invests most of his resources in the army, monuments and landmarks – often in Phenian – who beautifies the image and cult of the Kim family, which runs the country since 1948.
Some observers say this is an easy way to Phenian to make money. When foreign tourists are allowed to come, it is to a large extent of groups in China and Russia, countries with which the Phenian has long maintained friendship.
“I was hoping that this could signal a broader reopening to international tourism, but unfortunately it does not seem to be the case for now,” said Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, for BBC.
North Korea opened for several Western tourists in February, when tourists from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia came from China. The Phenian suddenly stopped tourism after a few weeks, without saying why.
Skepticism among travel agencies
Some travel agencies are skeptical about the attractiveness of Wonsan for foreigners. It is “unlikely to be a major attraction for most Western tourists,” says Rowan Beard.
“The key locations like the Phenian, DMZ (demilitarized area from the border with South Korea, no) and other brutalist or communist landmarks will continue to be the main attractions for international visitors once the large-scale tourism will be resumed,” added Beard.
Instead, Elliott Davies, director Uri Tours, says about North Korea that he has an “attractive niche” for travelers attracted by unconventional destinations.
“It is interesting to experience something as familiar as a beach resort, which has been modeled in the unique cultural context of North Korea,” Davies explained.
Kcna described Wonsan's development as a “great, good -live event of the whole country” and called “prelude to the new era” in tourism.
The opening of the resort was scheduled for October 2019, but the constructions registered delays before the pandemic outbreak.
Kim participated in a ceremony to complete the works on June 24, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. The event was also attended by Russia's ambassador, Alexander Matsegora, and the embassy staff participated.
Currently, Russians are the only foreign citizens who are allowed access to certain parts of North Korea.
