Germany, Canada, South Korea, Malaysia, China, UK And More Targeted By North Korea’s New Beach Resort In 2026 Calendar

Published on December 11, 2025

North Korea’s ambitious plans to open a new beach resort in 2026 have captured international attention, particularly from countries like Germany, Canada, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and the UK. This development is set to challenge global tourism dynamics, as the resort aims to attract visitors from these key nations, amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The project reflects North Korea’s broader strategy to boost its tourism sector, despite its complex relationship with the international community, with these targeted nations likely to play a central role in its success or failure.

A 2026 calendar released by a North Korean publisher for Chinese tourists features a newly developed beach resort located along the country’s eastern coastline. The calendar, which was obtained by Kyodo News on Wednesday, highlights the Wonsan Kalma tourist area, a state-of-the-art development complete with hotels, leisure facilities, and beach attractions. This initiative is part of North Korea’s push to revive its tourism industry, which has been dormant for several years due to political and health-related challenges.

The Wonsan Kalma tourist area officially opened during the summer of 2025 and aims to become a prominent destination for both domestic and international visitors. The site is located near the port city of Wonsan on the eastern coast of North Korea, an area historically known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Sea of Japan. With its new amenities, the resort is intended to offer a mix of luxury and cultural experiences for tourists, including beach resorts, recreational activities, and local dining experiences. This development is viewed as a significant part of North Korea’s broader efforts to boost its economy through tourism.

Notably, the resort gained attention in July when it was visited by high-ranking international officials as part of diplomatic exchanges. The development of the area reflects the North Korean government’s desire to attract foreign investment and rebuild its tourism sector after years of stagnation. Before the closure of North Korea’s borders in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was a destination for a small but steady stream of Chinese tourists. These visitors typically came to experience the country’s unique cultural and historical landmarks, but the pandemic halted nearly all travel in and out of the country, which severely impacted the local tourism industry.

In 2023, tours to North Korea via China resumed for a brief period before being suspended once again, with tour agencies and operators citing fluctuating government policies and ongoing concerns about health and safety protocols. While travel restrictions have eased somewhat, the future of tourism to North Korea remains uncertain. The resumption of tours is a significant point of interest, with much attention now focused on when international travel to the country will be fully restored. Tour agencies are closely monitoring these developments and preparing for the eventual reopening of the region to international tourists.

Another significant development that has caught the attention of international travelers and marathon enthusiasts alike is the return of the Pyongyang International Marathon. This event, which had been suspended for several years due to the global health crisis, is scheduled to take place on April 5, 2026. The marathon is one of the rare opportunities for foreigners to visit and experience the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. The event was first held in 1981 and became a symbol of the country’s engagement with the international community before being put on hold due to the pandemic.

As of now, all spots for amateur runners in the 2026 marathon have been filled, with participants coming from a wide range of countries. Notably, the marathon has become a popular attraction for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as it offers a unique opportunity to run through the streets of Pyongyang, a city that is often closed to foreign visitors. The event typically attracts runners from various nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, China, and Iran, who apply for a chance to see the capital up close.

Participants in the Pyongyang International Marathon are given a rare glimpse into life in the North Korean capital, where they have the chance to interact with local citizens and witness the city’s distinctive architecture and cultural landmarks. The marathon also allows foreign athletes to engage with the local community, many of whom line the streets of Pyongyang to cheer on the runners. The atmosphere at the marathon is often described as festive, with spectators showing enthusiasm for the international competitors. The event is held at the Kim Il-sung Stadium, named after the country’s founding leader, and has become an annual fixture for foreign runners looking to experience a part of North Korea that is rarely seen.

In addition to the marathon, Pyongyang is also home to a number of other events aimed at showcasing the country’s cultural heritage, though these have generally been limited to domestic audiences due to the country’s isolation from the outside world. The recent resumption of international events like the marathon, however, signals a shift in the country’s approach to tourism and international engagement. This marks a significant change for a nation that has long been closed off from the global stage.

The resumption of the Pyongyang International Marathon, along with the opening of the Wonsan Kalma resort, signals North Korea’s intent to reignite its tourism industry and make Pyongyang and other parts of the country more accessible to the outside world. While tourism to North Korea remains a highly restricted and controlled experience, these developments offer a glimpse of the potential for future engagement between the country and the international community. As the world watches closely, it remains to be seen how these initiatives will evolve and whether they will succeed in attracting a greater number of foreign visitors in the coming years.

North Korea’s new beach resort, set to open in 2026, is targeting countries like Germany, Canada, South Korea, Malaysia, China, and the UK as key markets, aiming to boost tourism despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This strategic move highlights North Korea’s efforts to attract international visitors and strengthen its tourism sector.

With international tourism slowly returning to North Korea, the government’s long-term goal appears to be the promotion of the country as a tourist destination that offers unique experiences, albeit under tightly controlled conditions. Whether or not North Korea can balance its desire for economic growth with its longstanding political isolation remains one of the key questions that will shape the future of tourism in the region.