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North Korea Opens “World-Class” Beach Resort
SEOUL – North Korea has announced the completion of a sprawling beach resort on its eastern coast, with a grand opening slated for next week. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area on Tuesday, according to state media.
The resort, described by state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as a “world-class cultural resort,” boasts accommodations for nearly 20,000 visitors. The complex stretches along 2.5 miles of coastline and features houses, hotels, and hostels. Amenities include swimming areas, sports and recreation facilities, and various dining options.
Kim hailed the completion of the resort as a major accomplishment, emphasizing its role in establishing North Korea’s tourism culture. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Ju-ae, accompanied him to the ceremony, marking Ri’s first public appearance of the year.
While the resort is set to open to domestic tourists on July 1, there was no mention of welcoming international visitors. North Korea has severely restricted tourism since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although some limited tours were briefly offered earlier this year, they were quickly suspended. The United States currently maintains a travel ban to North Korea.
The Wonsan Kalma resort, launched in 2014, faced numerous delays due to international sanctions and the pandemic. Its completion comes amid warming relations between North Korea and Russia, with Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora present at the opening ceremony. The resumption of direct rail service between Pyongyang and Moscow further underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations.