After nearly seven years of construction setbacks and delays, North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort is finally open, marking one of history's most high-profile leisure developments. Located on the Kalma Peninsula, this massive beachfront complex is being touted as a major tourism milestone and a symbol of national pride.
Often associated with military parades and missile launches, North Korea has made a rare shift in the narrative by showcasing its luxury resort, with Kim Jong Un himself promoting the opening celebrations.
Stretching across five kilometres of coastline, the resort boasts an impressive array of recreational facilities. According to reports, the complex includes 54 hotels, a mix of indoor and outdoor waterparks, a mini-golf course, a cinema, multiple shopping malls, five beer pubs, dozens of restaurants, and even video game arcades.
First announced in 2018, the resort’s construction faced repeated delays due to resource shortages, international sanctions, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now scheduled to open to domestic tourists on July 1, while international tourism remains tightly restricted.
Though North Korea remains largely closed to international visitors under lingering pandemic-era restrictions, there are signs of a slow reopening. Russian travel agency Vostok Intur has announced a tour beginning July 7, with a flight from Pyongyang to Wonsan the following day. The package includes a four-night beach resort stay, a night at the nearby Masikryong ski resort, and a day of sightseeing in the capital.
Tourism is one of the few economic sectors in North Korea not severely impacted by UN sanctions. However, international partnerships for the Wonsan project have been scarce due to concerns surrounding the regime’s weapons programs. While Russian tourists are slowly being welcomed, the capital and other regions remain off-limits.
In April, the country hosted a marathon with international participants—another tentative step toward reviving its tourism industry. But for now, the Wonsan-Kalma resort is both a rare luxury destination and a strategic soft-power move.