Wonsan-Kalma Becomes North Korea's First-Ever Beach Resort

15 hours ago 1

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - North Korea has started to develop its tourism potential. The country has opened a new destination: the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort on its east coast. Kim Jong Un attended the opening on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) news agency, cited by SkyNews, reported that Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter and successor, Kim Ju Ae, called the resort's development one of the greatest successes of the year. He also referred to it as a proud first step toward achieving the government's tourism development policy. He hopes the resort will build a domestic tourism culture for North Korean citizens.

The beach resort can accommodate about 20,000 visitors and will be open to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025. Media reports did not mention when it will welcome foreign visitors, but it is likely to happen.

Plans to Build Other Tourism Locations

As part of efforts to revive its struggling economy, Kim Jong Un strives to transform the isolated country into a tourist destination. The government's media said North Korea will confirm plans to build a large tourism location elsewhere.

North Korea has not fully lifted its ban on foreign tourists that it imposed in early 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, since February 2024, the country has been receiving Russian tourists. The relationship between the two countries seems to be growing closer. North Korea has also opened its tourism to Chinese tourists. However, the influx of Chinese tourists has not grown, even though it has reached 90 percent of the pre-pandemic levels.

According to observers, the resort will require significant investment from North Korea's limited budget and will ultimately need to accept Chinese and other foreign tourists to reach its goals.

Attracting Russian Tourists

Korea Herald reported that the Wonsan-Kalma beach tourist zone is expected to attract Russian tourists to North Korea. Russian Ambassador to North Korea, Alexandr Matsegora, and members of his embassy were invited as special guests, according to KCNA's report.

"Operations are expected to gradually expand to include Russian tourists, beginning with domestic tourism on July 1," said an official from the South Korean Unification Ministry who did not want to be named during a closed briefing. "The fact that the Russian ambassador was invited and highlighted (in the state media report) also appears to have been intended with Russian tourists in mind."

Editor's Choice: 10 Best Places to Travel Alone: Japan, Iceland, and More

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News



Middle East Conflict: How Iran-Israel Tensions Are Reshaping Tourism

1 hari lalu

Middle East Conflict: How Iran-Israel Tensions Are Reshaping Tourism

The Iran-Israel war has undeniably impacted the tourism sector.


AirAsia Launches Direct Bali-Adelaide Flights, Boosting Indonesia-Australia Connectivity

1 hari lalu

AirAsia Launches Direct Bali-Adelaide Flights, Boosting Indonesia-Australia Connectivity

This new route of Bali-Adelaide marks the fourth Australian destination served by Indonesia AirAsia.


Bali's Sanur SEZ Officially Opens for Medical Tourism

1 hari lalu

Bali's Sanur SEZ Officially Opens for Medical Tourism

The tourism minister is optimistic that the Sanur SEZ will become a popular destination, given the current trend of medical tourism.


How Jeff Bezos' Wedding Influenced Venice's Tourism Scene

2 hari lalu

How Jeff Bezos' Wedding Influenced Venice's Tourism Scene

Tourists report unexpected closure, diverted traffic, and paparazzi-filled atmosphere ahead of Jeff Bezos' wedding.


7 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Western Australia

2 hari lalu

7 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Western Australia

Western Australia is a holiday destination for all types of travelers, from solo adventurers to families.


Thailand Restricts Crossings at Cambodia Border

3 hari lalu

Thailand Restricts Crossings at Cambodia Border

This move comes amid growing security concerns and escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.


Brazilian Tourist Found After Falling on Mount Rinjani; Evacuation Underway

4 hari lalu

Brazilian Tourist Found After Falling on Mount Rinjani; Evacuation Underway

The SAR team is currently undertaking strenuous efforts to evacuate JDSP, a Brazilian tourist, who fell into Lake Segara Anak near, Mount Rinjani.


Jakarta's Top 15 Educational Tourism Destinations for School Holidays

5 hari lalu

Jakarta's Top 15 Educational Tourism Destinations for School Holidays

Jakarta has a diverse range of educational tourism destinations, from museums and amusement parks to aquariums and cultural centers.


Marijuana Losing Appeal Among Tourists in Phuket, Thailand

7 hari lalu

Marijuana Losing Appeal Among Tourists in Phuket, Thailand

A tourism company in Phuket, Thailand, has proposed zoning to reduce complaints from people disturbed by the use of marijuana.


Indonesian Govt Deploys Sea Transportation in Response to Mount Lewotobi Eruption

9 hari lalu

Indonesian Govt Deploys Sea Transportation in Response to Mount Lewotobi Eruption

The Ministry of Transportation ensures the readiness of sea transportation as an emergency alternative for tourists and residents affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.


Read Entire Article
International | Nasional | Metropolitan | Kota | Sports | Lifestyle |