The scenes at the Wonsan Kalma resort evoke a sense of familiarity, resembling a typical vacation spot adored by British holidaymakers. Visitors engage in recreational activities such as water slides, lounging on inflatables, and basking on sandy beaches.
However, these picturesque snapshots do not originate from a mainstream tourist hotspot. Instead, they showcase a new coastal tourism development in North Korea, initiated in the summer of 2025. Despite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s efforts to promote the area as a future travel haven, it remains inaccessible to British travelers due to current Foreign Office advisories.
The resort primarily caters to domestic tourists, with a limited number of international guests from Russia permitted to experience its amenities. Visitations are tightly regulated, necessitating predefined schedules and official guides, restricting the spontaneity of travel. Additionally, visitors are advised against straying from supervised areas, as the vicinity reportedly neighbors military and missile testing facilities.
Situated in Wonsan, a coastal city renowned for its expansive sandy shoreline, the resort has been a notable stop on North Korean tours for select foreign visitors. Initially envisioned as a high-end destination with luxury accommodations, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone faced delays in construction, culminating in its opening last summer, capable of hosting up to 20,000 tourists.
A Russian tourist, Anastasia Samsonova, shared her experiences at the resort in an interview with the BBC. She highlighted the strict itinerary control, emphasizing the need for approval from North Korean authorities for any deviations. Despite the regulations, she appreciated the tranquil ambiance of the resort, where meticulous beach maintenance was a daily routine.
Anastasia mentioned the culinary offerings, which predominantly featured meat dishes, including sweet and sour options, at affordable prices. She also noted the availability of souvenirs, such as Olympic-themed apparel and toy rockets adorned with the country’s flags, for visitors to purchase.
Although official details about the resort are scarce, government-released images showcase glimpses of its amenities, including a water park and recreational facilities. A Russian travel agency is currently promoting trips to the area, highlighting a blend of seaside relaxation in Wonsan and urban exploration in Pyongyang for interested tourists.
During its construction phase, the resort faced backlash from human rights organizations over alleged labor exploitation and poor working conditions. Concerns were raised regarding the secrecy surrounding construction activities, triggering debates on ethical practices within the development process.
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