North Korea has recently made a splash in the tourism industry by launching a new beachside resort, Wonsan Kalma. This development is part of the country’s efforts to boost its tourist economy and attract visitors from around the world. The resort, located on the east coast of North Korea, boasts a myriad of attractions, including a water park and miles of beautiful beachfront. Described as large enough to accommodate 20,000 visitors, the resort also features multiple hotels, offering guests a variety of hospitality options.
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The highly-anticipated opening ceremony of Wonsan Kalma took place on June 24, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in attendance alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. The resort is scheduled to welcome its first batch of visitors, North Koreans, on July 1. Reports suggest that Russian nationals may also have the opportunity to visit the beachside destination as early as July 7. However, access for tourists from other countries remains uncertain, given North Korea’s cautious approach to reopening its borders amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Kim Jong Un expressed his optimism about the tourism potential of Wonsan Kalma, stating that he believes the resort will enhance its reputation as a world-class tourist destination. The leader described the development of the resort as one of the country’s significant achievements for the year and emphasized its role in cultivating a vibrant tourist culture within North Korea. Despite these positive sentiments, some experts have raised concerns about whether the beach resort alone will be enough to attract international tourists to the country.
Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, noted that while the beach resort could be an appealing draw for some visitors, key sites such as Pyongyang and the DMZ are likely to remain the primary attractions for international tourists once broader tourism activities resume. North Korea’s current status on the U.S. State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list further complicates the prospect of foreign tourism in the country. The warning highlights the risks of arrest, long-term detention, and wrongful detainment of U.S. nationals in North Korea, underscoring the challenges faced by potential visitors.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the launch of Wonsan Kalma, it is clear that North Korea is making concerted efforts to tap into the tourism sector and showcase its offerings to the global audience. The beachside resort represents a significant step in the country’s ambitions to boost its tourist economy and establish a reputation as a desirable travel destination. As the resort prepares to welcome its first guests, the international community will be closely watching to see how this latest venture unfolds and whether it will pave the way for a new era of tourism in North Korea.