The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in North Korea’s Gangwon Province has completed construction and will open its doors to visitors on July 1. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, along with First Lady Ri Sol Ju and their daughter Kim Ju Ae, attended the inauguration ceremony.
North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Thursday that the grand opening ceremony of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area took place on Tuesday. The paper described the resort as a proud and inspiring creation that amplifies North Korean people’s patriotic passion to lead the world.
According to Rodong Sinmun, the tourist complex boasts accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests, including hotels and inns catering to both domestic and international visitors. The area is equipped with comprehensive beach facilities, a variety of sports and entertainment options, commercial and dining services, and cultural amenities.
The newspaper hailed the completion of this tourist area as a brilliant achievement stemming from Kim Jong Un’s profound vision and tireless efforts. It proclaimed the resort as heralding a new era in North Korea’s tourism industry and setting a significant cultural milestone in developing their unique approach to tourism.
Kim attended the inauguration ceremony with Kim Ju Ae and Ri So Ju. This marks Ri’s first public appearance in about 17 months, since the New Year celebration performance in January of the previous year.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kim toured various sites within the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, including the Myongsasipri outdoor water park, the Kalma Moranbong Hotel, and the Myongsasipri Hotel. The newspaper reported that Kim expressed satisfaction, stating that what he had always wanted to do for the people —a long-standing aspiration of his party —had now been realized spectacularly.
Kim praised the buildings in the Wonsan-Kalma area as “monumental creations embodying the advanced level of their architectural expertise,” which have rapidly progressed year after year. He noted that they would be recorded as one of the most outstanding achievements of this year, fulfilling the decisions made at the 8th Party Congress.
Kim further emphasized the importance of the tourism industry, stating that tourism holds significant potential in North Korea as it fosters cultural development, drives regional revitalization, and contributes to overall national economic growth. Kim also outlined strategies for the extensive development of the tourism sector during his on-site visit.
Additionally, Kim announced plans to finalize the construction of various large-scale tourism and cultural districts across different regions in the shortest possible timeframe at the upcoming 9th Party Congress, building on this experience.
The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area represents a tourism project that Kim has devoted over a decade to developing. It is scheduled to begin serving domestic guests on July 1.