North Korea’s state media KCNA announced on June 26, 2025, that the country had officially opened the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area, a large-scale development along its eastern shoreline. The launch marks the culmination of years of planning and construction, part of Kim Jong Un’s ambition to turn Wonsan into a billion-dollar tourist destination.

Kim, who personally attended the inauguration, praised the project with “great satisfaction” and vowed to accelerate the development of additional tourist zones across the country.

A Strategic Bid for Tourism-Driven Revenue

The Wonsan Kalma zone is designed to host up to 20,000 tourists, featuring beaches, resorts, and entertainment facilities. First introduced in 2014, the project has expanded significantly despite a lack of foreign investment, largely due to international sanctions over North Korea’s weapons programs.

Tourism remains one of the few economic avenues not directly restricted by UN sanctions, making it a strategic focus for Pyongyang.

Domestic-First Approach Amid Cautious Reopening

KCNA reported that the tourist zone will begin operations for North Korean citizens from July 1, with no mention yet of opening to global tourists. Since closing its borders in 2020 due to COVID-19, North Korea has cautiously eased restrictions since 2023, allowing in limited groups such as Russian tourists.

In April 2025, North Korea also hosted a marathon event with foreign participants, suggesting it is testing the waters for selective international tourism.

Russia Emerges as Key Partner

Notably, the Russian ambassador and embassy staff attended the Wonsan ceremony as VIP guests. Moscow and Pyongyang, both facing international isolation, have deepened bilateral ties over the past year. North Korea has reportedly supplied weapons and manpower for Russia’s war in Ukraine, fostering stronger strategic alignment.

One recent highlight of this cooperation: the resumption of a direct passenger train between Pyongyang and Moscow, the first such service since 2020.

The two nations have agreed to expand their tourism cooperation, which may make Russia the first foreign source market for Wonsan’s tourism revival.

Kim Jong Un’s Vision of a Global Resort

In his remarks, Kim expressed optimism that the project would not only serve North Koreans but eventually attract international tourists, branding it a “world-level tourist cultural resort.”

While foreign travel into North Korea remains heavily restricted, especially for Western nations, Pyongyang’s emphasis on Russian collaboration and limited foreign events points to a phased, strategic reopening focused on friendly states and controlled narratives.

Tourism as a Soft Power Tool

Wonsan represents a broader effort by Kim Jong Un to reshape North Korea’s global image and generate non-sanctioned revenue. Through infrastructure investments, cultural programming, and Russian cooperation, the regime aims to craft a new narrative that focuses on development, leisure, and controlled openness.

But significant hurdles remain—lack of investment, poor international trust, and heavy sanctions mean Pyongyang’s tourism dream will likely take years to materialize fully.

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