North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in Gangwon Province is scheduled to open on July 1, initially catering to domestic tourists. The completion ceremony was attended by Kim Jong Un, alongside his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae.
According to the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling party, the inauguration was held on Thursday. The outlet characterized the event as a proud achievement symbolizing the North Korean people’s patriotic drive to take the lead on the global stage.
The report stated that the resort zone features accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests, including a range of hotels and inns designed to appeal to both domestic and international visitors. It also features a comprehensive range of beach facilities, recreational and sports infrastructure, retail and dining establishments, as well as cultural venues.
The newspaper described the development as a significant cultural breakthrough, calling it the outcome of Kim’s longstanding dedication and deep consideration. It portrayed the project as a pivotal milestone marking the beginning of a new era for the country’s tourism industry.
The presence of Kim’s wife, Ri Sol Ju, drew particular attention, as it was her first public appearance in over 16 months, following a New Year’s performance in January of the previous year.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kim Jong Un toured sections of the resort, including the Myeongsasipri Outdoor Water Park, the Kalma Moranbong Hotel, and the Myeongsasipri Hotel. He reportedly expressed satisfaction, describing it as the realization of a long-held party initiative aimed at benefiting the people.
He praised the site’s architecture, calling the buildings monumental examples of North Korea’s advancing construction capability and stating that the development fulfilled key commitments made at the Eighth Party Congress.
Kim highlighted the strategic value of tourism in promoting cultural growth, stimulating regional economies, and contributing to national development. He outlined future expansion plans during the visit.
These plans include building additional large-scale tourism and cultural zones across the country, with details to be formalized at the upcoming Ninth Party Congress.
The resort—part of a project Kim reportedly championed for over a decade—will open to domestic tourists starting Monday. The presence of the Russian ambassador and embassy staff at the ceremony suggests a phased expansion to include Russian visitors.
A South Korean Ministry of Unification official told reporters that North Korea is expected to begin with domestic tourism before gradually allowing Russian visitors. Initial foreign tourist numbers are likely to be limited due to the lack of direct flights to Wonsan, with transit via Pyongyang potentially restricting group sizes to around 170 people.
The official added that despite North Korea seeing tourism as a significant source of foreign currency, its success at this stage remains uncertain due to ongoing infrastructure challenges. Regarding Chinese tourists, the ministry noted that no clear indications of their return have yet emerged.