Discover North Korea’s new Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Resort—a luxurious beach destination unveiled by Kim Jong Un. But behind the glittering facade lies a nation grappling with poverty, hunger, and heavy state control. Can it truly become an international tourist hub?
Southeast Asia? Guess Again—This Sleek Beach Resort Is in North Korea
Kim Jong Un Cuts Ribbon on ‘National Treasure-Level’ Kalma Beach Resort
North Korea’s state media has released photos of Kim Jong Un personally opening a sprawling coastal resort being promoted as a “national treasure-level tourism city.” The newly completed Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, situated on the country’s eastern shore, features high-rise hotels, wave pools, waterparks, and accommodations for nearly 20,000 guests.
But international human rights groups argue the development is in sharp contrast to the harsh realities facing everyday North Koreans, including widespread hunger and economic hardship.
According to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), services for domestic visitors are scheduled to begin on July 1, though no information has been provided regarding eligibility or transportation. A new Kalma train station was also opened to “ensure convenience for travelers,” signaling intent to attract foreign visitors—particularly from Russia.
The resort is located next to Kalma International Airport, reinforcing suspicions that the project aims to bring in foreign currency, despite North Korea’s deep isolation under international sanctions.
Notably, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended only by the Russian ambassador and his staff, hinting at Pyongyang’s growing diplomatic reliance on Moscow as relations with the West deteriorate.
A Luxury Facade in a Nation of Deprivation
In 2024, UN human rights chief Volker Türk described North Korea as “a stifling, claustrophobic environment, where life is a daily struggle devoid of hope.” Despite this, North Korea continues investing in extravagant tourist infrastructure meant to showcase prosperity and development.
Back in 2023, small groups of Russian tourists were granted tightly controlled access to the Masikryong Ski Resort, a well-known North Korean attraction since 2013. Tourists later reported strict surveillance, limited photography rights, and mandatory attendance at choreographed performances by North Korean children.
According to Rachel Minyoung Lee, a fellow at the 38 North program of the Stimson Center, the Wonsan-Kalma resort is currently open only to North Koreans—but that could change soon:
“We may see Russian tourists arriving there in the near future.”
Lee added that the project reinforces Kim’s image as a leader focused on “people-first policy,” while strategically softening the country’s heavy military narrative.
Kalma vs. Kumgang: Is This Round Two of North Korea’s Tourism Push?
North Korea’s most notable attempt at international tourism came in the late 1990s, when it opened Mount Kumgang to South Korean tourists. It attracted nearly 2 million visitors before being abruptly halted in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was fatally shot near a restricted zone.
In 2022, most of the Kumgang facilities—including the Onjonggak Rest House, once a site for inter-Korean family reunions—were demolished. Kim had previously called the area “shabby and backward.”
The question now is whether Wonsan-Kalma is merely another tool for propaganda—or a genuine bid to attract foreign tourists and revenue.
Foreign Tourists? Only the Russians (For Now)
Currently, only Russian travelers appear to be eligible for Kalma tour packages. Vostok Intur, a Vladivostok-based travel agency, is offering three North Korea packages (one in July, two in August) priced at $1,840 USD.
The 8-day itinerary starts on July 7, flying tourists from Pyongyang to Wonsan. It includes a 4-night stay at the beach resort and a visit to Masikryong Ski Resort.
Kim Jong Un has hinted that the ruling Workers’ Party will formalize plans to expand tourist zones at its next congress. He also emphasized that lessons learned from Kalma would inform future developments of “large-scale tourism and cultural districts” across the country.
A Leader’s Personal Project—with Symbolism Built In
The North Korean leader reportedly visited the Kalma construction site at least seven times, personally offering “on-the-spot guidance” and demanding “world-class” standards. His wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Kim Ju Ae—believed to be his successor—also attended the grand opening, a highly symbolic act of dynastic continuity.
According to Professor Lim Eul-chul of Kyungnam University,
“The presence of Kim’s entire family signals that this resort is meant to carry forward the legacy of his predecessors and be sustained by future generations.”
Kalma is part of Kim’s broader 2013 vision to turn Wonsan into a dual hub for economic growth and leisure tourism. However, the project faced repeated delays due to COVID-19 and ongoing international sanctions.
Glitter and Caution: Is the Resort Viable?
Images of Kim touring wave pools and water slides may project affluence, but analysts are skeptical about the resort’s viability—especially under a regime that continues to tighten control over information and restrict internal movement.
Dr. Edward Howell, a North Korea expert at Oxford University, noted:
“The real test is whether Kalma will generate long-term economic gains. Wonsan isn’t exactly a global tourist magnet.”
He added that any future Western tourists visiting Kalma would likely face heavy restrictions, with the regime meticulously monitoring their activities and interactions.
Final Take: Beach Paradise or Mirage?
North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma Resort stands as a paradox—an opulent beachfront getaway within one of the world’s most closed and controlled nations. While its glossy exterior suggests ambition, questions of access, sustainability, and ethical tourism remain unresolved.
Is it a bold step toward economic modernization, or just another mirage of prosperity for international cameras?
Only time—and perhaps, more than just Russian tourists—will tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment