Kalma Beach Resort to Open in June 2025, Ushering in a Bold New Era for North Korea’s Tourism Ambitions

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North Korea’s Kalma Beach Resort is set to open in June 2025, marking a transformative step in boosting tourism after years of setbacks and anticipation.

North Korea’s Kalma beach resort, a project that has faced years of delays, is set to open in June 2025, according to state media reports. Leader Kim Jong Un referred to the resort’s launch as a significant milestone in advancing the nation’s tourism sector.

Initiated in 2014, the resort was originally slated for completion by April 2019. However, progress was hindered by a series of challenges, including design revisions, shortages of construction materials due to international sanctions, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced the opening date and shared details of Kim Jong Un’s latest inspection of the site. Accompanying him on the visit was his daughter, believed to be named Ju Ae, making her first public appearance since October, when she attended an intercontinental ballistic missile test. Photos showed Ju Ae walking alongside her father on the beach, linking arms, and touring the resort’s hotel facilities while listening to briefings from officials.

South Korea’s intelligence agency has suggested that Ju Ae may be groomed as Kim’s successor, though no official confirmation has been made.

Reports indicate that the resort aims to attract Russian tourists. North Korea had been closed to international tourism for over four years after sealing its borders in January 2020 due to the pandemic. Recently, the country has partially reopened, primarily welcoming visitors from Russia.

In November, Moscow and Pyongyang signed an agreement to strengthen economic ties, which includes expanding tourism opportunities. Russia’s Tass news agency reported plans to increase charter flights between the two nations to boost travel and leisure exchanges.