Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has a new leisure destination: [Undisclosed Location] - Kim Jong-un's Latest Holiday Destination Revealed in North Korea
In the heart of North Korea's Kangwon Province lies the city of Wonsan, a strategic coastal city that has recently seen significant development. The city is now home to Kim Jong-un's ambitious tourism project, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which officially opened its doors in summer 2025.
This massive beachfront resort, boasting approximately 150 hotels and 20,000 beds, is designed to attract both domestic and limited foreign visitors. The resort is situated along a coastal road, offering stunning views of the white sand beaches and scenic seaside that Wonsan is known for.
The facilities at the resort are modern and well-developed, with high-rise hotels, banquet halls, and extensive tourist infrastructure. The resort's large, white sand beach, glimmering seas, and rows of sun loungers make it an attractive destination. However, reports suggest that foreign tourist occupancy remains low.
The resort's location allows for the creation of a large-scale tourism zone, initially aimed at domestic citizens and select foreign tourists, particularly from Russia. However, shortly after opening, North Korea imposed a ban on foreign tourists except Russians, dimming prospects for broad international tourism at the complex.
The reasons for this restriction remain unclear, but the ban significantly limits the resort’s economic potential. Reports indicate that the resort "vanished overnight," which may refer to closures, restrictions, or operational changes approximately 22 days after opening, suggesting instability in the project's future or management challenges.
Despite the grand opening and extensive facilities, the presence of tourists apart from Russians remains sparse. The resort, often described as feeling like an uninhabited island, has struggled to attract international visitors from elsewhere.
Amidst the controversies and issues, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone remains a prestige project for North Korea, reflecting a geopolitical alliance with Russia that is influencing tourism policies. The North Korean newspaper "Rodon Sinmun" described the developed area as a "love gift for the people," highlighting the project's intended purpose to bolster the domestic economy and appeal to select foreign visitors.
References:
- BBC News
- Reuters
- CNN
- The Guardian
- The New York Times
Locals and a minority of Russian tourists seem to be the primary visitors at the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, restricting the resort's exposure to an international lifestyle and travel experience. Despite showcasing luxurious hotels and scenic landscapes on the coastal road, the limited appeal to foreign entertainment options may contribute to the resort's economic difficulties.
