North Korea opens new beach paradise: who can come?

North Korea opens new beach paradise: who can come?

Wonsan, Nordkorea - North Korea opened a new beach resort on the east coast on July 6, 2025, which is the result of a long-term construction project that was initiated by ruler Kim Jong-un. This resort, which offers space for up to 20,000 guests, marks a significant step in North Korea's efforts to promote the tourism sector and to expand economic perspectives. Despite this expansion, however, the country's visitor policy remains restrictive, since North Korea grants only a few foreign tourists access.

The exact target group of potential visitors to the resort is currently unclear. Analysts and observers wonder whether the resort is primarily intended for local tourists or for a few selected international guests. This is particularly important because North Korea traditionally pursues an isolated policy. However, the construction of the resort has aroused interest, and it is speculated that it could try to generate foreign exchange through tourism and to stabilize the battered economic system.

tourism in focus

With the newly opened beach resort in Wonsan-Kalma, Kim Jong-un obviously wants to initiate a turn in the country's tourism sector. According to Euronews, the North Korean leader pursues ambitious plans to make the tourism sector more attractive. This is done at a time when the country is increasingly looking for ways to overcome its economic challenges.