Wonsan-Kalma Resort Launch in North Korea Signals Tourism Ambitions: Exploring Wonsan’s New Role in Attracting Chinese and Regional Visitors – Everything You Need to Know About This New Hub

Published on December 26, 2025

In a significant move for North Korea’s tourism sector, the country is set to open the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone next week, marking a major milestone in its long-anticipated efforts to attract tourists. Located in the scenic coastal city of Wonsan, this vast complex is poised to become one of the largest tourist destinations in the country. The development of this resort zone is seen as a key step in Kim Jong Un’s strategy to boost the country’s economic recovery by tapping into the international tourism market, albeit with a domestic focus for now.

Despite North Korea’s travel restrictions still in place since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is optimistic that the site will eventually welcome foreign visitors, particularly from neighboring countries like China, to drive its tourism sector growth. Here’s a closer look at this grand development and its potential implications for both local and international tourists.

The Wonsan-Kalma Tourist Zone: North Korea’s Bold Step Towards Tourism Revival

The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is a major expansion project aimed at revamping North Korea’s tourism offerings. The resort features several high-end hotels, leisure facilities, and various recreational options designed to attract a wide range of visitors. With accommodation capacity for 20,000 guests, it is tailored to meet the demands of both domestic and future international tourists.

Situated along the scenic Wonsan coastline, the site boasts a variety of attractions, including swimming beaches, water sports, hiking trails, and local restaurants offering traditional Korean cuisine. The North Korean government has marketed the location as a comprehensive resort where visitors can indulge in various activities and experience the country’s natural beauty.

What We Know About the Resort’s Opening and Future Plans

The grand opening of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone will commence next Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment for North Korean tourism. Though the resort is initially opening its doors to domestic tourists, it’s expected to eventually cater to foreign visitors once the country lifts its pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, officially inaugurated the site during a ceremony in late June 2025. The development has been hailed as a major success, with the country’s leader referring to it as a “proud first step” in realizing the nation’s tourism ambitions.

While the official North Korean media hailed the project as a grand achievement, it’s believed that the resort required significant funding from the country’s limited budget. Experts speculate that it will eventually be opened to tourists from countries like China, as well as other nations in the region, in order to break even financially.

Will Foreign Tourists Ever Visit North Korea’s Newest Resort?

At present, the resort will only be accessible to domestic tourists, but plans for international visitors remain uncertain. North Korea has yet to fully reopen its borders to foreign tourists since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and it remains unclear when the country will ease these restrictions.

However, it’s widely believed that the country will eventually allow foreign visitors to experience the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, especially as its economic goals are closely tied to the success of its tourism initiatives. China and Russia are considered the most likely markets for future tourism, given the proximity and historical ties between these countries and North Korea.

Why This Resort Could Play a Crucial Role in North Korea’s Economy

The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma zone is just one part of a larger effort by Kim Jong Un’s government to make tourism a cornerstone of North Korea’s economic revival. The country has been severely affected by international sanctions, and developing its tourism industry is seen as a potential way to attract foreign currency, create jobs, and boost local economies.

Experts believe that if the resort can successfully attract tourists, it could become an important part of North Korea’s broader economic recovery strategy. The Wonsan-Kalma development is expected to be the first of many large-scale tourism projects across the country. With the global tourism industry becoming increasingly important to many nations’ economies, North Korea’s efforts to diversify and modernize its economic structure by leveraging tourism could have profound long-term benefits.

Travel Tips for Domestic Tourists Visiting the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Zone

For domestic travelers eager to explore this new resort, here are some tips to make the most of the visit:

• Check for Availability: Ensure that accommodations are available and book early, as the resort is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, especially during its opening phase.
• Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: While the Wonsan-Kalma zone offers a range of recreational activities, the infrastructure may be in its early stages, so it’s important to be prepared for any possible service delays or shortages.
• Respect Local Guidelines: Given the country’s unique regulations, it is important for tourists to follow all local guidelines, including those related to behavior, dress code, and interactions with local staff.
• Explore the Surroundings: Don’t miss out on the scenic beauty of Wonsan’s coastline. Take time to explore the area’s natural attractions, including beaches, mountains, and forests.

The Future of North Korea’s Tourism Industry: What to Expect

While the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is expected to be a game-changer for North Korea’s tourism, the long-term prospects remain uncertain. The country’s isolation from the global economy and its strict regulations may continue to limit its appeal to international tourists.

However, Kim Jong Un’s push to create a robust tourism industry signals that North Korea is taking concrete steps to attract foreign visitors in the future. The Wonsan-Kalma resort, with its modern amenities and scenic location, could be the starting point for North Korea to tap into the lucrative global tourism market, especially in the region.

For now, the opening of the resort is a sign that North Korea is gradually opening up to the world, even if only for domestic tourists. As the international situation evolves, we may see North Korea become a more prominent player in the tourism industry, attracting travelers from across the globe.