North Korea Opens Wonsan Beach Resort Amid Hopes to Boost Tourism

North Korea has opened the Wonsan Kalma beach resort on its east coast, aiming to promote tourism and generate income. Open to domestic tourists from July 1, the resort features hotels, restaurants, a water park, and can reportedly host up to 20,000 visitors, though details remain unverified.

Leader Kim Jong Un, who spent part of his youth in Wonsan, attended the opening ceremony with his wife and daughter. The resort, delayed since 2019, is part of his broader effort to modernize select areas and attract visitors.

Though foreign tourism remains limited, with access mostly for Russian and Chinese tourists, the country briefly welcomed Western visitors earlier this year before halting entries again.

Observers say the resort may appeal to a niche market, but key North Korean sites like Pyongyang and the DMZ are still the main draws. The opening also highlights deepening ties with Russia, with whom North Korea recently resumed direct train service.