North Korea has officially opened the Wonsan-Kalma resort complex on the country’s eastern coast, near a former missile test site. According to North Korean state media and South Korean sources, the facility is primarily aimed at attracting Russian tourists.
This project is part of Kim Jong Un’s new strategy to showcase domestic development and attract foreign currency while avoiding UN sanctions. The resort is presented as a “mega-infrastructure” project, despite its proximity to military facilities.
Infrastructure and Target Audience
The Wonsan-Kalma resort spans a 4-kilometer stretch of coastline near the city of Wonsan and can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors at once. The complex includes hotels, restaurants, shopping zones, and a water park. According to official reports, international tourism — particularly from Russia — is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025.
Representatives of the Russian diplomatic mission, including the ambassador to Pyongyang, attended the opening ceremony. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification stated that the first group of Russian tourists is expected in July. The North Korean government emphasized that the resort aims to “strengthen friendship between nations resisting imperialism.”
Political Context and Risks
The resort area is located in close proximity to a former missile testing site that remained active until 2023. A nearby airport continues to operate both civilian and military flights. This has raised international concerns about the potential militarization of the tourist zone.
Analysts note that the opening of such a facility holds both economic and political significance. Tourism is being used to project an image of “normalcy” for the regime and to legitimize the presence of foreigners despite ongoing isolation. North Korea is also trying to brand itself as a safe vacation destination — despite human rights violations and nuclear threats.
The opening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort is Kim Jong Un’s attempt to turn tourism into a source of revenue and political influence. However, its location near military infrastructure, limited access, and ideological framing raise serious questions about the safety and true purpose of the project.
