Resort

North Korea, Kim Jong Un inaugurates Wonsan coastal tourist centre

The new site houses hotels and guesthouses capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests, both domestic and foreign. The resort is equipped with facilities for swimming in the sea, sports and recreational activities, as well as catering services

26 June 2025

Kim Jong Un inaugura il centro turistico costiero di Wonsan

2' min read

2' min read

North Korea has completed the construction of a vast seaside resort complex in the eastern coastal region of Kalma, described by leader Kim Jong Un as one of the country's most outstanding achievements this year. This was reported by the official Kcna news agency.

A 20,000-seat complex

The inauguration ceremony of the new Kalma coastal tourist resort was held on Tuesday in the presence of Kim. The new site houses hotels and guesthouses capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests, both domestic and foreign. The resort is equipped with facilities for swimming in the sea, sports and recreational activities, as well as catering services.

The facilities are 'fully equipped with all comforts and the basics of cultural life to offer the beauty of the scenic site in all seasons, enthusiastically painting a 4 km long stretch of beach,' reads the Kcna note.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un cut the ribbon during the ceremony and toured the resort area, including an outdoor swimming pool and hotels, noting that what the country has invested long-term energy in has become a 'splendid reality'.

First tourists since July

Kcna reported that Kim also expressed deep excitement over the project, calling it one of the year's greatest achievements. "The Wonsan Kalma coastal resort area should play a leading role in establishing North Korea's tourism culture," Kim said, ordering those in charge of the resort's operation to ensure maximum comfort and recreational spaces for visitors.

The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area will be open to domestic tourists from 1 July. Kim appeared accompanied by his daughter, known as Ju Ae, and wife Ri Sol Ju, marking Ri's first public appearance since she last appeared in the media during a New Year's Eve art show on 1 January 2024.

Moscow's role

The Russian ambassador to North Korea and members of his embassy were present at the ceremony, an indication that Russians will be among the expected foreign tourists. An official from South Korea's Ministry of Reunification in charge of inter-Korean affairs noted that North Korea may have benefited from Russian support for the construction of the beach resort. "The various support received (from the North) in exchange for Moscow's participation in Moscow's war against Ukraine may have helped the country complete the construction of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist resort," the official said.

The infrastructure node

The ministry also noted that the number of tourists visiting the area in groups may not meet Pyongyang's expectations due to the country's poor transport infrastructure. Based on air routes connecting Pyongyang with the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, up to 170 foreign tourists are expected to visit the area every day.