Construction of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist area on North Korea's east coast has entered its final stage and is expected to open to tourists from May 2025. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and senior generals visited the Wonsan-Kalma tourist area under construction on the country's east coast on July 16, according to KCNA.
Wonsan-Kalma is one of the tourism projects that Kim Jong-un has prioritized in recent years. This resort is expected to attract international tourists with its luxurious and modern facilities.
It is known that this is a project that the president of this country invested in and paid much attention to.
For years, North Korea has been building luxury hotels and entertainment facilities in the tourist area to attract international visitors, but the project has been plagued by a lack of building materials and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea has begun easing strict entry restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of efforts to revive the country's economy, but its borders remain closed to international tourists, with the exception of a small number of Russians who visited earlier this year.
It promises to become "a seaside wonderland" and be known as "North Korea's best tourist resort."
While the timing of a full reopening of international tourism remains uncertain, many predict that the return of tourists, especially Chinese tourists, will bring significant revenue to North Korea. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists accounted for 90% of international tourists visiting the country.
In 2019, North Korea's tourism industry welcomed 300,000 international tourists, generating an income of between 90 and 150 million USD. The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort along with the tourism relaxation measures are expected to contribute to promoting the North Korean tourism industry to develop even more strongly in the future.
North Korea’s gradual easing of travel restrictions and the opening 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 tourists’ security.
