Kim Jong-Un unveils North Korea's escalation in tourism, highlighting a lavish new seafront resort
The Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort in North Korea, a newly inaugurated luxury destination, is now open for business. This national treasure-level tourism city, announced in 2018, spans five kilometers of coastline on the Kalma Peninsula and caters to foreign tourists as part of Kim Jong Un’s push to revitalize North Korea's tourism industry.
## Amenities at Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Resort
The resort offers a range of amenities, including accommodations for up to 20,000 guests, beach activities, sports and recreation facilities, multiple dining options, scenic attractions, and luxury features. The resort boasts five beer pubs, dozens of restaurants, video game arcades, a mini-golf course, indoor and outdoor waterparks, and a cinema.
## Tour Packages for Foreign Tourists
As of late June 2025, North Korea is gradually reopening to foreign tourists following strict pandemic restrictions. The first foreign group expected at Wonsan-Kalma are Russian tourists, with tour packages launching in July.
### Russian Tour Packages
These packages include air travel from Pyongyang to Wonsan, four nights of accommodation, guided tours, and curated activities. The cost is approximately $1,840 per person. Activities include beachside relaxation, mountain excursions, and exclusive experiences tailored to a mid- to high-end market.
North Korea has not yet announced broader access for tourists from other countries, and the country continues to maintain strict controls on tourist entries, particularly from the West. Analysts suggest that, due to the resort’s scale and investment, North Korea will eventually need to attract a wider range of foreign tourists, especially from China, to ensure profitability.
## Summary Table
| Feature | Details for Foreign Tourists (as of July 2025) | |---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Accommodations | Hotels for up to 20,000 guests | | Beach Activities | Swimming, sunbathing | | Sports/Recreation | Various sports, water sports | | Dining | Multiple cafeterias and restaurants | | Scenic Attractions | Beach and mountain landscapes | | Tour Packages | Russian tours: $1,840/person, 4 nights, air travel, guided activities | | Other Countries | Not open yet; plans for future expansion |
Foreign tourists beyond Russia are not yet guaranteed access, and the country maintains strict entry controls due to ongoing diplomatic and public health considerations. The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort can also be seen as a strategic soft-power move by North Korea, as it seeks to attract foreign tourists and boost its economy, particularly in the tourism sector, which has been relatively untouched by UN sanctions.
In light of the gradual reopening of North Korea to foreign tourists, specific tour packages for Russians have been announced for July 2025, offering amenities such as air travel, accommodations, guided tours, and curated activities at the newly opened Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Resort. However, broader access for tourists from other countries is yet to be determined, with analysts suggesting the need for North Korea to attract a wider range of foreign tourists, particularly from China, to ensure the resort's profitability.
