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North Korea Opens Wonsan-Kalma Resort to Citizens, Prepares for First Russian Tourists

The 20,000-capacity beachfront complex began trial operations for local visitors on July 1, prompting Russia to schedule the first foreign tour under strict daily flight caps.

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This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on July 2, 2025, shows the North opening the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on July 2, 2025, shows the North opening the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Visitors from across North Korea, including Pyongyang and remote provinces, flocked to the zone on its first day of service.
  • Leader Kim Jong Un hailed its completion at a June 24 ceremony as one of the year’s greatest feats.
  • The resort features hotels and hostels for nearly 20,000 guests along with beaches, water parks, sports courts and restaurants.
  • A first Russian tour group is set to arrive on July 7 under strict daily entry limits of about 170 visitors due to limited flights.
  • Originally started in 2014, the project faced sanctions-related material shortages and pandemic-era construction halts before final completion this month.