In brief
North Korea's new Wonsan beach resort, initially slated for completion in 2019, will open its doors to local visitors July 1, with uncertain plans for international tourism. While it represents a push for income beyond military expenditures, skepticism arises about its appeal to foreign tourists.
North Korea is embarking on an ambitious new project to open a beach resort in Wonsan, a move leader Kim Jong Un hopes will significantly boost tourism in the isolated nation. According to state media reports, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone will begin welcoming domestic tourists on July 1, after six years of construction delays. This development signifies a new focus on the tourism sector, but it remains unclear when the resort will welcome international visitors.Wonsan, where Kim grew up in luxury, is home to many of North Korea’s elite, and the area has seen a shift from a site used for missile testing to a planned tourist destination. According to reports from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the resort aims to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors across a 4km stretch of beach, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and even a water park. However, details regarding the facility's actual readiness and operational capabilities remain unverified.For decades, North Korea has faced extensive sanctions due to its nuclear ambitions, making it one of the poorest countries globally. The bulk of its resources continues to be diverted towards military initiatives and the construction of monuments that enhance the Kim family’s cult of personality. Observers speculate that the opening of the beach resort could provide Pyongyang with a much-needed source of revenue. While foreign tourists have been permitted in the country, most groups have traditionally come from China and Russia, nations with stronger ties to North Korea.Some anticipate that the beach resort's opening could signify a gradual reopening to international tourism — though industry experts like Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours, express caution. "I was hoping this might signal a broader reopening to international tourism, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case for now," Beard shared. Tourism dropped dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, with North Korea closing its borders in early 2020. Restrictions began softening by mid-2023, allowing limited access for Russian visitors and then cautiously reopening to some Western tourists from the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. However, that access was cut short just weeks later without any clear explanation.Responses from travel agencies regarding Wonsan’s appeal to foreign visitors have met with skepticism. Beard expressed doubts that the resort would attract many Western tourists, noting that iconic locations like Pyongyang and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) remain the focal points for international travelers. In contrast, Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours, highlighted North Korea's “niche appeal” for adventurous travelers seeking to experience a beach resort defined by its unique political and cultural context.KCNA heralded the Wonsan development as a "great, auspicious event" for the country, branding it a "prelude to the new era" in tourism. Originally scheduled to open in October 2019, the resort experienced multiple delays exacerbated by the pandemic. On June 24, Kim attended a ceremony marking the resort's completion alongside family members, indicating the regime's dedication to this ambitious project.As North Korea gradually opens doors to tourism, some expect the resort will initially cater to Russian tourists, the only foreign nationals currently granted access to some regions of the country. The resort's unveiling aligns with strengthened partnerships between North Korea and Russia amidst tightening sanctions imposed by the West, including military cooperation in the context of the Ukraine conflict. This week also saw the resumption of a direct passenger train service between the two cities, a move that reinforces the growing ties between the nations.
