North Korea is accelerating preparations to attract many tourists by expanding railways and road connections to the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which will open this June.
On Monday, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that SI Analytics analyzed photos of the Wonsan area from October 2024 to the end of February. The analysis revealed that the railway connecting Kalma Station and Wonsan Kalma Airport is being double-tracked, a new train station is under construction south of the airport, and the road linking the airport and the Kalma area is being rapidly built.
SI Analytics explained that North Korea appears to be expanding air and land transportation networks to facilitate the smooth transport of many tourists to the Karma area.
The Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, constructed near the Myeongsasimni Beach in Wonsan, is set to open after a decade of development. In 2014, North Korea designated this area as a special tourist zone. It began developing as a complex tourist destination linked to the Mount Kumgang Tourist Area and Masikryong Ski Resort.
Last December, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the site with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and declared it complete. He emphasized the need to actively utilize favorable conditions and environments to develop the tourism industry.
Tourism is considered a key economic initiative for North Korea this year. Although it temporarily suspended its foreign tourism business earlier this month after resuming it for the first time in five years, it continues to promote the June opening of the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. Experts anticipate that the business will resume within three months at the latest.
