North Korea is making waves—not with missile launches this time, but with surfboards and beach umbrellas. The reclusive state has announced the long-awaited opening of its massive Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort project, a sprawling beachside complex that leader Kim Jong-un sees as a critical piece of his vision to boost tourism and revive the country’s ailing economy.
But the billion-dollar question is: Can a luxury beach resort in one of the world’s most isolated nations succeed when most potential tourists are barred from visiting?
What Is the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Resort?
The Wonsan-Kalma resort is a state-led megaproject located along the eastern shores of North Korea, adjacent to the city of Wonsan. Conceived as a glittering showpiece for international tourism, the resort includes:
- Dozens of hotel towers and villas
- An airstrip to welcome foreign tourists
- Swimming pools, shopping malls, a marina, and amusement park-style features
- Promenades lined with palm trees and LED-lit fountains
Construction began in 2018 and faced repeated delays, partly due to pandemic restrictions, mismanagement, and likely sanctions-related supply shortages. Now, North Korea claims the resort is complete and ready to host visitors.
Kim Jong-un’s Vision: Tourism as Economic Lifeline
North Korea’s economy has been strangled by years of international sanctions imposed over its nuclear weapons program. Since tourism is not fully prohibited under UN sanctions (unlike mining and arms exports), Kim Jong-un sees it as one of the few viable sources of foreign currency.
The goal is clear: attract high-spending tourists—particularly from China and Russia—to enjoy leisure in North Korea’s surprisingly scenic east coast. Wonsan already has mild summers, clear waters, and beaches, and it’s now being presented as a more peaceful, secure, and “alternative” destination for travelers in East Asia.
In official state media, Kim has said that the development of tourism is a “strategic sector” and part of a “bold offensive to build a self-reliant economy.”
What the BBC and Other Sources Missed
1. Wider Tourism Zones in the Pipeline
North Korea is also exploring expansions near Mount Kumgang and the Masikryong ski resort. Though Mt. Kumgang was once a successful inter-Korean tourism project, it has remained largely shuttered since 2008 when a South Korean tourist was shot by a North Korean soldier.
2. Russian and Chinese Delegation Interest
Since 2023, Russian officials have visited Wonsan and Masikryong as part of efforts to deepen economic ties with North Korea. Some private Chinese tour companies have tentatively included Wonsan in future “package route discussions” depending on DPRK border policies.
3. Tourism Infrastructure Upgrades
In addition to the resort, Wonsan’s airport (Wonsan-Kalma International) has been expanded. The government is also upgrading roads and mobile infrastructure in the area, possibly to support foreign visitors and media handling.
4. Propaganda and Image Engineering
The beach resort is not just about economic revitalization; it’s also a psychological campaign to soften North Korea’s image. Glossy promotional footage and drone shots suggest a calculated effort to present a new face to the outside world.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the sleek visuals and lofty promises, real obstacles remain:
- International Sanctions: U.S. citizens are banned from traveling to North Korea. Many other Western travelers are either deterred or restricted due to diplomatic tensions.
- COVID-Era Border Control: Even after global reopening, North Korea’s border remains mostly closed. Entry is tightly controlled, even for Chinese and Russian citizens.
- Reputation Risk: Tourism critics argue that visiting North Korea funds a repressive regime and risks normalizing its human rights abuses.
- Basic Travel Needs: Reliable electricity, safe food, banking systems, and internet access remain limited—even in tourist zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can foreigners actually visit the Wonsan resort now?
Not yet. Despite completion, the resort’s opening to foreign tourists depends on DPRK lifting COVID-era restrictions and selectively permitting tours—most likely starting with Chinese or Russian visitors.
Q2: Why build a luxury resort in a country facing poverty and food shortages?
The government believes that attracting foreign currency through tourism can boost the economy and create jobs. It’s also a prestige project to boost internal morale and Kim’s image abroad.
Q3: How much did the resort cost?
Exact figures are unknown due to North Korea’s opaque accounting, but analysts estimate the cost to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, possibly over $500 million.
Q4: Is it safe to travel to North Korea?
For most Western nationals, travel is strongly discouraged due to geopolitical risks, surveillance, and a lack of consular support. Chinese and Russian tourists face fewer barriers but still encounter strict oversight.
Q5: Could tourism soften North Korea’s international image?
Potentially, but skeptics argue that limited, stage-managed tourism won’t meaningfully improve international perceptions unless accompanied by broader political reforms.
North Korea’s attempt to reinvent itself as a tropical tourist haven may seem paradoxical. Yet in the eyes of Kim Jong-un, Wonsan’s golden sands might just be the new front in his long game of economic survival and global relevance—one beach umbrella at a time.
Sources BBC
