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Construction of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort on North Korea's east coast has entered its final stages and is expected to open to visitors in May 2025. According to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and high-ranking generals visited the Wonsan-Kalma resort under construction on the country's east coast on July 16.
Wonsan-Kalma is one of Kim Jong-un's top priority tourism projects in recent years. The resort is expected to attract international tourists with its luxurious and modern amenities.
This is reportedly a project that the country's president has invested in and given significant attention to.
For years, North Korea has been building luxury hotels and entertainment facilities at this tourist resort to attract international visitors. But the project has faced numerous obstacles due to a shortage of construction materials and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea has begun easing strict entry restrictions that were in place during the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of an effort to revive the country's economy. However, the border remains largely closed to international visitors, with the exception of a small number of Russian tourists who visited earlier this year.
This place promises to become "a seaside wonderland" and is known as "North Korea's best tourist resort."
Although the exact timing for the full reopening of international tourism remains uncertain, many predict that the return of tourists, particularly Chinese tourists, will bring significant revenue to North Korea. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for up to 90% of international visitors to the country.
In 2019, North Korea's tourism industry welcomed 300,000 international visitors, generating between $90 and $150 million in revenue. The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort, along with the easing of tourism restrictions, is expected to further boost the growth of North Korea's tourism industry in the future.
North Korea's gradual easing of travel restrictions and the reopening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort are positive signs for the country's tourism industry. However, to attract international tourists back, North Korea needs to continue improving its infrastructure, diversifying its tourism products, and ensuring the security of visitors.
