North Korea opens spectacular beach resort – who is allowed in?

North Korea opens spectacular beach resort – who is allowed in?

North Korea opened a new billion-dollar resort complex on June 29, 2025, located on the Kalma Peninsula near Wonsan on the east coast. The opening took place in the presence of Kim Jong-un, his wife Ri Sol Ju and their daughter Kim Ju Ae. After years of construction work that began in 2018, the project was delayed several times by the corona pandemic. The complex, designed to have a capacity of nearly 20,000 beds, includes theme parks, 17 large and 37 smaller hotels, as well as 29 shopping centers and restaurants. Kim Jong-un called the opening one of the “biggest successes of the year.”

The tourism zone, known as Wonsan Kalma, was designed specifically for domestic guests as most of North Korea's population cannot access such vacation options due to poverty and limited freedom of movement. The first local guests will be welcomed from July 1, 2025. Despite this opening, entry for foreign tourists, especially from the West, remains strictly limited. An exception is made for Russian citizens who can travel to Kalma.

Exclusive travel opportunities for Russians

The Russian travel company Vostok Intur offers trips to North Korea for the equivalent of around 1,570 euros. However, only 262 Russians traveled to North Korea in the first quarter of 2025, indicating continued disinterest or travel restrictions. In addition, international sanctions are a major hurdle for North Korea, which has prevented the country from attracting significant foreign partners to develop this project.

The opening of the holiday complex is seen by the Korean leadership as a step towards increasing North Korea's attractiveness as a world-class tourist cultural destination. The Russian ambassador, symbolizing the friendly relations between North Korea and Russia, was also present at the opening ceremony. The German Foreign Ministry has advised against traveling to North Korea because foreigners are viewed with suspicion.

The area around Wonsan was selected for redevelopment as a tourist center back in 2014. After North Korea closed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic, some restrictions were gradually lifted starting in 2023. The new tourist zone represents a significant step for the regime to bolster its isolated economy through tourism while catering to the North Korean elite who can take advantage of the new resort's benefits.