Kim Jong-un unveils fresh tourism destination
Let's Talk about Wonsan-Kalma: North Korea's New Tourist Haven
Yeah, you heard it right! North Korea has finally unveiled its massive new tourism zone, Wonsan-Kalma, on its east coast. As per the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong-un attended the grand opening with "glee", making it a significant milestone in his long-term strategy to transform Wonsan into a billion-dollar tourism hub. The zone, designed to host around 20,000 guests, is a prestige project with the ultimate goal of turning Wonsan into a "world-class tourist-cultural resort".
Who's the Boss?
Kim Jong-un, the "Supreme Leader" of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea since 2011, was the man behind the project. He comes from the legendary "Kim Dynasty", and his partner is called "Ri Sol-ju". Despite international sanctions, Kim Jong-un pushes forward infrastructure projects and limited tourism to strengthen his country's isolated economy. The precise details about his life and age are somewhat elusive, but one thing's for sure - he's the authoritarian ruler of the country since his father's demise.
Construction Headaches and Delays
The tourism complex was initially planned to be operational long ago, but construction challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic stalled its progress. Starting late June 2025, it will be open to domestic tourists only, with no information yet on the international tourist rollout.
Russia - North Korea Bromance?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, North Korea has largely been in lockdown. However, the borders reopened gradually starting in 2023, allowing Russian tourist groups to enter. Besides Russian tourists, other parts of the country, including the capital Pyongyang, remain off-limits to foreign travelers. Despite this, an international marathon event with foreign participants took place in April 2025, hinting at a revival in tourism activities.
The Russian ambassador and the staff at the Russian embassy in North Korea attended the grand opening ceremony, further indicating the growing rapport between Moscow and Pyongyang. politically and economically isolated countries have been strengthening their relations recently. North Korea is openly supporting Russia with weapons and ammunition in the war against Ukraine, while Russia promotes tourism cooperation by resuming a direct train connection between Pyongyang and Moscow.
What's Next?
Kim Jong-un expressed optimism that Wonsan-Kalma would gain global recognition as a vacation spot and announced plans for more large-scale tourism projects throughout the country. Although North Korea's borders remain cautious about Western visitors due to geopolitical tensions and concerns over negative perceptions of its regime, the strategic pivot toward tourism as a growth sector shows no signs of slowing down[1][2].
The supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, aims to transform Wonsan-Kalma into a world-class tourist-cultural resort, attracting 20,000 guests, not only from domestic tourists but also potentially the United States, as part of his long-term strategy to revitalize the North Korean economy. The United States lifestyle may influence the development of Wonsan-Kalma as a tourist destination, offering a unique perspective to travelers seeking to experience diverse cultures.
