North Korea Unveils Wonsan-Kalma Tourist Zone Amid Economic Push

In a significant move to revitalize its struggling economy, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un officially opened the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone on June 26, 2025. Accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, the inauguration ceremony marked the launch of the country’s most ambitious tourism project to date, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone, designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests, features facilities for swimming, sports, and a variety of dining options, as detailed in the KCNA report. Kim Jong Un heralded the development as “one of the greatest successes this year,” underscoring the government's commitment to establishing North Korea as a premier tourism destination. This initiative aligns with Kim's broader strategy to bolster the national economy through increased tourism, a sector that has been largely dormant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

Despite the grand opening, the return of international tourism remains uncertain. North Korea has yet to lift its ban on foreign visitors, which was instituted as a health measure during the pandemic. Observers note that while domestic tourism will commence shortly, the absence of international tourists, particularly from China—who previously constituted over 90% of visitors—poses a challenge to the viability of the newly opened resort.

According to Dr. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, “The resort will likely depend initially on Russian tourists, as they have begun to enter North Korea since February 2024.” Meanwhile, the anticipated influx of Chinese tourists remains stalled due to geopolitical tensions and a cautious approach from Beijing.

The economic implications of this development are substantial. North Korea, which has faced increasing isolation and economic challenges, is betting on tourism as a lifeline. The Wonsan-Kalma project required significant investment, and experts suggest that to recoup costs, North Korea must eventually reopen its borders to international tourists.

The opening ceremony attracted notable figures, including the Russian ambassador to North Korea, indicating a potential pivot toward strengthening ties with Russia amidst evolving international alliances. However, the relationship with China appears more complex, as Beijing hesitates to fully engage with Pyongyang given its focus on avoiding an anti-Western coalition.

In a broader context, the tourism sector in North Korea has been a historically significant aspect of its economy. The government has previously attempted to promote various tourist destinations, but these efforts have often been hampered by global political dynamics and internal economic constraints.

While the Wonsan-Kalma resort represents a strategic step forward, experts like Lee Sangkeun from the Institute for National Security Strategy emphasize that “the success of such initiatives hinges on the resumption of international tourism.” The future of North Korea's tourism strategy remains contingent upon its ability to navigate complex diplomatic waters and restore confidence among potential foreign visitors.

In summary, the unveiling of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone marks a pivotal moment for North Korea as it seeks to revitalize its economy through tourism. However, the absence of international tourists poses a significant hurdle, raising questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of this ambitious initiative.