The supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, made a public appearance on June 24 accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during the official inauguration of the ambitious Wonsan Kalma coastal resort complex, an area that state media describe as “the prelude to a new era in tourism” for the secretive country.
The appearance of Ri Sol Ju —her first since the New Year’s event in 2024— captured international attention, given the typically low profile that the regime’s first lady maintains in public.
Her presence, alongside the dictator’s daughter, aimed to convey a message of unity and stability at a time when Pyongyang is seeking to attract tourist investments amid economic isolation.
Located on the east coast of the country, the Wonsan Kalma complex aims to become the country’s leading tourist destination, with the capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors along a 4-kilometer stretch of beach, highlighted the local press.
It includes hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and a water park, according to the state agency KCNA, although this information has not been independently verified.
This project, originally scheduled to open in 2019, experienced multiple delays due to construction issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, it will open its doors to domestic tourists on July 1. It has not yet been confirmed when it will be available for foreign visitors, especially at a time when the United States announced it would establish relations with North Korea under the administration of Donald Trump.
Amid severe international sanctions due to its nuclear program, North Korea is seeking to diversify its sources of income through tourism, although most foreign visitors come from China and Russia, its historical allies.
“We hoped this would be a sign of a broader opening to international tourism, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case for now,” said Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours.
The country briefly reopened its border to Western tourists in February 2025, but closed it again without explanation weeks later. Currently, Russian tourists are the only foreigners allowed to visit certain regions of the country, and the Wonsan resort is expected to open primarily for that group.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Inauguration of the Wonsan Kalma Tourist Complex in North Korea
The Wonsan Kalma tourist complex is a new vacation area in North Korea, located on the eastern coast of the country. It aims to become the main national tourist destination, with the capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors, and features hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and a water park.
The appearance of Kim Jong-un with his wife Ri Sol Ju and their daughter Kim Ju Ae at the inauguration of the Wonsan Kalma complex sends a strong message of unity and stability at a time when North Korea is seeking to attract tourist investments amid its economic isolation. The presence of his family reinforces the narrative of political continuity and the regime’s power.
Although the complex will open its doors to domestic tourists on July 1, it has not yet been confirmed when it will be accessible to foreign visitors. Currently, only Russian tourists are permitted to visit certain regions of North Korea.
North Korea faces severe international sanctions due to its nuclear program, which has limited its ability to attract foreign tourists and diversify its sources of income. Furthermore, military cooperation with Russia and geopolitical tensions further complicate its tourism opening.