Kim Jong-un has officially opened the Wonsan kalma Coastal Tourist Area, a major step in North Korea’s push to boost tourism. This world-class beach resort, set to open on July 1st, aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, marking a meaningful investment in the country’s economy. With the capacity for nearly 20,000 guests, this initiative-described by Kim as “one of the greatest successes this year”-reflects the leader’s commitment to developing North Korea’s tourism sector, especially with the rise of secondary_keyword like Russian tourists already returning. News Directory 3 has the latest on this ambitious project. The resort, which boasts 150 buildings and draws inspiration from Spain‘s Costa Blanca, highlights the nation’s post-pandemic reopening efforts. Discover what’s next …
North Korea Opens Wonsan Kalma Tourist Resort
north Korea has officially opened the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, a sprawling resort on the contry’s east coast. Kim Jong Un attended the inaugural ceremony this week for the project, which aims to attract domestic and, potentially, foreign tourists. The opening comes roughly six years behind schedule, due to delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysts have noted Kim’s early focus on developing North Korea’s tourism industry,wiht the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area serving as a key initiative. The resort is set to open July 1.
North Korea reopened its borders in August 2023, nearly four years after closing them as of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even North korean nationals were barred from entering during that time. Prior to the pandemic, foreign tourism was already limited, with only about 5,000 Western tourists visiting annually, according to tour companies.
The korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the tourist zone can accommodate nearly 20,000 people and is designed as a “world-class cultural resort.” Kim expressed confidence that the Wonsan kalma area woudl enhance its reputation as a top-tier tourist destination, KCNA said.
State media photos showed Kim and his family observing a man on a water slide. Wonsan Kalma features “sea-bathing service facilities, various sports and recreation facilities,” and is equipped to showcase the scenic beauty of the east coast throughout the year, according to KCNA.
Kim expressed ”great satisfaction” with the construction, calling it “one of the greatest successes this year.” He added that North Korea would build more large-scale tourist zones “in the shortest time possible,” KCNA reported.
Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, considered by many to be his likely successor, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, who had not been seen publicly for 17 months, joined him at the event.
South Korean media reported that Ju Ae was seen wearing a Cartier watch, an item banned from import into North Korea under UN sanctions related to the country’s nuclear and missile programs.
The resort, boasting 150 buildings, is expected to be among the world’s largest single-operator beach resorts. Initial plans indicated it could accommodate up to 100,000 visitors concurrently.
Kim’s inspiration for the resort reportedly stemmed from a research trip to Spain’s Costa blanca in 2017, which left North Korean officials ”amazed.”
North Korea permitted Russian tourists to return last year for the first time as the COVID-19 pandemic, and Western tour operators resumed tours in February. Foreign tourists can only visit North Korea on supervised tours.
Russia and North Korea have agreed to expand tourism cooperation, including restarting a direct passenger train service between their capitals for the first time sence 2020.
