Friday, July 25, 2025
Just along the eastern coast of North Korea perches the Wonsan Kalma Resort, an extensive seaside complex. Excluded to foreign visitors, this new resort has become a visual symbol of domestic tourism in North Korea today. The resort is another way of showing that happier and more abundant lives await each Korean citizen, even in his own home city. Known as a “gift to the people,” the resort is a key component in the country’s broader strategy of building a more prosperous life for its people. Yet it also serves as evidence that despite ongoing economic challenges, such as sanctions by the international community, the country is capable of developing infrastructure and harboring tourism.
The Wonsan Kalma Resort: An Oasis for Citizens
The Wonsan Kalma Resort, a highly anticipated development, was officially opened in July 2025. Spanning vast stretches of coastline, it offers various amenities designed to accommodate thousands of local visitors. The resort is equipped with luxurious hotels, state-of-the-art restaurants, vibrant shopping centers, and entertainment options, including a water park. This sprawling complex is expected to host up to 20,000 guests, all of whom are primarily from within the country, given the current tourism policy which excludes foreigners.
Initially, the resort welcomed a select group of international visitors, including Russian nationals, in a limited trial run. However, only two weeks after its opening, North Korean authorities made the unexpected decision to halt foreign tourism altogether. The move was announced without any clear explanation and has left the international tourism community questioning the regime’s motivations behind such a restriction.
Why the Shift to Domestic Tourism?
The focus on domestic travelers at the Wonsan Kalma Resort marks a shift from North Korea’s initial intentions of attracting international tourists. The country’s leadership appears to be emphasizing the need for internal tourism to help boost the local economy, reduce reliance on foreign revenue, and provide citizens with an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the state’s economic development initiatives.
Experts suggest that the exclusion of foreign visitors might be a reaction to the potential negative consequences that international scrutiny could have on the image of the resort and its controlled environment. While the government has not provided specific reasons for halting foreign tourism, it is speculated that authorities are concerned about how outsiders might perceive the artificial and highly orchestrated nature of the tourist experience within North Korea. With stringent state control over the media and the narrative, the exclusion of foreigners might be a way to limit any potential criticisms or unwanted attention.
The Role of the Wonsan Kalma Resort in North Korea’s Tourism Strategy
The opening of the Wonsan Kalma Resort is part of a broader strategy by North Korea to develop its tourism sector as a potential source of non-sanctioned revenue. Over the years, the regime has recognized the value of attracting tourists—particularly those from allied nations like Russia and China—as a means of bypassing international sanctions and boosting the national economy.
This resort, with its vast array of tourist-friendly offerings, is intended to showcase the regime’s ability to provide modern infrastructure and leisure amenities to its people. While the resort might seem like an isolated luxury in a country known for its economic hardships, it is being sold as a milestone achievement that will enhance the quality of life for local residents. The resort’s promotional materials emphasize how the development aligns with North Korea’s goals of self-sufficiency and national pride, which are central tenets of the country’s leadership.
Despite these ambitions, the reality of the resort’s long-term sustainability remains uncertain. With foreign tourism restricted, the resort’s success will rely heavily on domestic demand and the regime’s ability to maintain an image of prosperity for the local population. Additionally, questions remain about the potential for international investment and whether the resort will be able to attract international visitors in the future once the restrictions are lifted.
Victory Day and the National Narrative
Coinciding with the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Resort, North Korea is also preparing for the 72nd anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. This event holds great significance in the national narrative, with state media promoting the country’s “victory” over the United States. The government uses this occasion to reinforce its message of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity, a sentiment echoed in the resort’s development as a symbol of progress.
However, while commemorative events are typically held to mark such anniversaries, this year’s observances are expected to be more subdued. North Korea’s leadership has been cautious about holding large-scale public celebrations, likely due to ongoing economic challenges and international sanctions that continue to impact the nation’s ability to maintain a high-profile public image. Despite this, the opening of the Wonsan Kalma Resort serves as a form of quiet celebration, highlighting the nation’s efforts to offer its citizens a glimpse of modernity and luxury, even in the face of external pressures.
The Future of North Korean Tourism
While the Wonsan Kalma Resort has opened its doors to domestic visitors, the future of international tourism in North Korea remains uncertain. Analysts speculate that the country’s leadership may eventually seek to reintroduce foreign tourism as a means of generating much-needed foreign currency. However, the decision to do so will likely depend on the regime’s confidence in managing the image of the resort and its ability to control the narrative surrounding foreign visitors.
For now, North Korea’s focus on domestic tourism signals a new direction in the country’s approach to development. The Wonsan Kalma Resort is just the beginning of what the regime hopes will be a thriving domestic tourism industry, providing citizens with new opportunities for leisure and contributing to the country’s broader economic goals.
Conclusion: A Complex Picture of Progress
As a complex symbol of North Korea’s aspirations and challenges, the Wonsan Kalma Resort is in the right place. At the same time, the resort is promoted as a big step forward in improving living standards for citizens themselves. In contrast, however, the exclusion of foreign visitors suggests just how carefully the regime is managing not only its public image but also control of tourist experiences. As North Korea stands at the crossroads between domestic and international pressures, one has to wonder what form this resort will take in the future and what role it can play in the development of national tourism infrastructure.
