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yesterday

North Korea Completes Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone

Opening to domestic visitors July 1, the resort seeks to generate scarce foreign currency under UN sanctions.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sitting centre, with his wife Ri Sol Ju, rear, and daughter tours the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone in North Korea Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae stand on the beach during a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, in Wonsan, North Korea, June 24, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae walk inside a hotel during a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, in Wonsan, in North Korea, June 24, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SOUTH KOREA.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae watch a person sliding down a slide during a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, in Wonsan, North Korea, June 24, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS

Overview

  • North Korea inaugurated the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone on June 24 after seven years of construction and pandemic-related delays.
  • The seaside complex spans a 4-kilometre stretch and houses hotels, restaurants, water-bathing services and sports facilities for up to 20,000 guests.
  • The government will welcome domestic tourists starting July 1 and has not yet announced access for other foreign visitors.
  • Russia and North Korea have agreed to expand tourism ties by restarting a direct train link between Pyongyang and Moscow and expecting the first Russian tour group in July.
  • Leader Kim Jong Un hailed the project as a proud first step and one of the year's greatest successes in efforts to earn foreign currency under UN sanctions.