It may seem surreal, but it’s true: North Korea plans to become a fully-fledged vacation destination. The Wonsan-Kalma resort was initially expected to open in May 2025, but the planned arrival date for visitors has now been moved to June. For now, it’ll only host Russian tourists.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort. The project began in 2014 with the vision of transforming the Kalma coastal peninsula into a luxury destination featuring hotels, restaurants, and various attractions. Initial plans even included an underwater hotel. This ambitious project gained momentum in 2017 when a delegation of 16 North Korean officials visited Spain to study tourism development models in popular coastal locations.
The experiences gained during this visit influenced the design of the North Korean resort, with a strong emphasis on hotel infrastructure, leisure activities, and complementary services, according to Reuters. However, there’s one significant challenge: The North Korean region is known for a rather disturbing history that could hinder tourism success. The coastal area of Wonsan has previously been used for testing ballistic missiles. In fact, in 2020, South Korean authorities reported that two projectiles were launched from Wonsan.

A mega-project under state control. According to North Korea expert Jacob Bogle, the Wonsan-Kalma resort will be the largest development of its kind in the country and possibly the largest single-owner resort in the world. Interestingly, the Wonsan project is structured as a centralized complex operated exclusively by the government.
The resort will feature facilities such as an aquarium and sports centers, but its tourism focus will adhere to the traditional restrictions found in North Korea. Visitors will be required to follow rigidly planned itineraries, usually organized in groups from factories, schools, and state-owned enterprises.
Tourism as a means to earn foreign currency. Unlike other sectors of the North Korean economy, tourism isn’t subject to international sanctions, presenting a key opportunity for the country to generate foreign currency. As a result, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the nation possesses “rich and diverse tourism resources” that can be utilized to revitalize the regional economy and improve the living standards of its citizens.
At least initially, Russia and China appear to be the primary target markets for North Korean tourism. These countries have strengthened their political and economic ties with Pyongyang in recent years. Following the partial reopening of borders in 2023, the first tourists to visit the country were Russians. In fact, the state-owned travel agency Korean International Travel Company has been actively promoting North Korea’s tourist attractions among Russian travelers.
Russian tourists. The idea is to attract Russian tourists as the first foreign visitors to the resort. As such, Russian travel agency Vostok Intur recently started promoting the new Kalma tourist area. According to a Telegram post, Vostok Intur announced three travel dates starting in July.
The agency is offering eight-day packages, with the first trip scheduled for July 7-14, followed by two additional trips in August. The cost of the package is $1,400, with extra expenses to be paid in Russian rubles. The package includes:
- Accommodation for seven nights, with three meals a day
- Round-trip flights to North Korea
- Guided tours of Pyongyang at the end of the trip
According to the agency, tourists can expect to enjoy an “ecologically clean” environment with entertainment options for all budgets and a gastronomic variety adapted to diverse tastes.
A strategic opening. After a decade of construction, the official opening for the Kalma resort is now scheduled for June 2025. The North Korean leader, who personally inspected the resort with his daughter, referred to the project as a “first big step” for developing the country’s tourism industry. He described it as a “spectacular, beautiful, and magnificent” place.
Will the resort be open to tourists from other countries? The effort to attract Russian tourists to the Kalma area highlights the growing relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang. This relationship has been strengthened by cooperation in strategic sectors, especially following increased tensions between Russia and the West due to the war in Ukraine. North Korea recognizes Russia as a priority market because tourism isn’t affected by international sanctions, providing a safe means to generate foreign currency.
Challenges of North Korea as a vacation destination. While promoting tourism through Russian agencies is a significant step in developing the Kalma resort, the project faces several challenges, including mobility restrictions within the country, limited access to objective information, and security concerns for travelers.
Despite these challenges, North Korea has confidence that the tourist area will serve as a key tool to boost regional development and improve the country’s international image as a tourist destination.
Image | Micha Brändli | Clay Gilliland
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