North Korea’s Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort: A New Chapter in Global Tourism

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

North Korea is set to make a significant move in the global travel industry with the planned July 2025 opening of the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort. Situated on the country’s northeast coast near Wonsan, this mega beach resort is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 guests at a time. The project signals a shift in North Korea’s approach to international tourism, as it actively seeks to attract foreign visitors, particularly from Russia.

Originally launched in 2018, the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort has encountered multiple delays, including a halt in 2019. However, the North Korean government has now confirmed that the long-anticipated project is nearing completion. With its opening, the resort is expected to mark a turning point in the country’s tourism sector, offering an exclusive and controlled vacation experience that could draw interest from niche travel markets.

What Visitors Can Expect at Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort

The resort’s infrastructure has been designed to provide a relaxing and eco-friendly retreat, distinguishing itself from the bustling tourism hubs of mainstream destinations. North Korean authorities have emphasized that the area surrounding the resort remains a pristine natural environment, making it an attractive spot for those seeking peaceful coastal escapes.

Some of the resort’s expected features include:

• Various accommodation options, ranging from luxury beachfront villas to budget-friendly hotels.
• Restaurants and entertainment venues that aim to provide a comfortable, self-contained experience for guests.
• Leisure activities, including water sports and guided excursions, offering visitors a glimpse of North Korea’s scenic coastal landscapes.

While specific details on pricing, booking procedures, and accessibility for travelers from Western nations remain uncertain, it is widely anticipated that Russia will be among the first countries granted tourism access to the resort.

North Korea’s Vision for Tourism Growth

The development of the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort aligns with North Korea’s broader strategy to increase international tourism, particularly targeting countries with established diplomatic ties. The initiative is viewed as a step toward economic diversification, allowing the country to benefit from tourism-generated revenue while maintaining strict visitor controls.

North Korean officials have positioned the resort as an eco-conscious project, appealing to travelers who prioritize sustainable tourism. With global travel trends shifting toward nature-based experiences, wellness tourism, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, the resort may carve out a niche audience seeking unique, politically intriguing travel experiences.

How This Development Impacts the Travel Industry

For the global tourism market, the launch of the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort introduces an unusual and controversial addition to the list of international beach destinations. While North Korea’s restrictive visa policies and strict tourism regulations have historically limited its appeal to mainstream travelers, the country’s efforts to expand its hospitality sector may attract interest from specific travel demographics, including:

• Curiosity-driven tourists intrigued by North Korea’s political and cultural isolation.
• Russian and Chinese travelers, who already represent a significant portion of North Korea’s existing tourism market.
• Eco-conscious tourists, interested in destinations marketed as sustainable and environmentally friendly.

However, major international tourism agencies may remain cautious about endorsing or promoting travel to the region due to geopolitical concerns and existing travel restrictions imposed by many Western governments.

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Resort

While the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort represents North Korea’s most ambitious tourism project to date, it is not without challenges. Several factors may influence its success, including:

• Limited accessibility for international travelers, with most Western tourists still facing strict entry restrictions.
• Concerns over transparency and ethical travel considerations, as some governments and human rights organizations continue to warn against tourism supporting North Korea’s economy.
• Uncertainty regarding long-term operations, given the nation’s history of abrupt policy shifts and project delays.

Potential Global Travel Trends Sparked by This Development

Despite its politically sensitive context, the opening of Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort may set the stage for future discussions on North Korea’s integration into the global travel industry. The development raises several questions about how closed-off nations can approach tourism expansion while maintaining sovereign control over visitor interactions.

If successful, North Korea’s tourism industry may:

• Encourage other isolated nations to explore tourism as a means of economic growth.
• Increase diplomatic tourism ties between North Korea and neighboring countries, particularly Russia and China.
• Prompt international discussions on ethical tourism, focusing on the responsibilities of travelers visiting politically complex destinations.

For travel agencies, tour operators, and independent travelers, this project introduces a new tourism option that may attract those seeking unique or exclusive travel experiences. However, whether this translates into widespread interest remains uncertain.

Final Thoughts: A Step Toward International Engagement?

As North Korea prepares for the grand opening of the Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort in July 2025, the project’s success will depend on its ability to navigate international tourism dynamics while balancing government-controlled visitor experiences.