On July 1, 2025, North Korea unveiled the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a flagship project under leader Kim Jong Un to boost the nation’s tourism sector. Located on the eastern coast, this 4-km stretch of pristine beaches, modern hotels, and a water park is currently open only to Russian tourists, reflecting strategic ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Three groups of Russians have already visited, enjoying meticulously maintained sands and new facilities under tight supervision. The move underscores North Korea’s bid to revive its sanction-hit economy while deepening geopolitical alliances. The resort, promoted as “immaculate,” comes with strict rules, limiting interactions and photography.
Anastasia Samsonova, a 33-year-old Russian PR manager, described her visit as a serene escape with “no crowds.” Organized by Russia’s Vostok Intur agency, the tour blends cultural stops in Pyongyang with beach time. However, the resort faces criticism over reports of harsh working conditions during its construction, raising ethical concerns about the project’s development.
The initiative, launched in 2018, was initially meant for global tourists, but sanctions have restricted access, even for China, North Korea’s key ally. The focus on Russians signals a pivot toward Moscow amid shared geopolitical interests, including military cooperation.
- Tour highlights: Pyongyang cultural visits, beach stays, guided excursions.
- Restrictions: Controlled movements, limited photography, fixed itineraries.
- Cost: $1,800-$2,500 per person, including flights and meals.
A tightly controlled paradise
Wonsan Kalma, designed to host 20,000 visitors, boasts modern hotels, restaurants, a shopping center, and a water park. Samsonova praised the “perfectly leveled” beaches and brand-new facilities, though her group couldn’t access the water park or cinema, spending most time between the hotel and shore. The resort’s exclusivity for Russians stems from North Korea’s strategic alignment with Moscow, especially post-2017 sanctions that curtailed global tourism plans.
The controlled environment is stark. Guides and security personnel monitor tourists closely, restricting photos of construction sites. “Everything was immaculate, but we followed a strict schedule,” Samsonova noted. This control ensures minimal interaction with locals, preserving the regime’s narrative.
- Resort features: 4-km beaches, four-star hotels, water park.
- Strict oversight: Guides and security limit tourist movements.
- Capacity: Built for 20,000, currently limited to Russians and locals.
Exotic appeal with rigid limits
Vostok Intur’s eight-day package, priced at $1,800-$2,500, includes flights from Vladivostok, accommodations, and three daily meals. The itinerary covers Pyongyang’s Arco do Triunfo and Kim Il Sung Square, plus four beach days. Tourists face rigid rules, including costly internet and no unscheduled stops. “It’s not like Thailand; there’s no one else,” Samsonova said, highlighting the deserted beaches as a unique draw.
Local interactions are minimal. On weekends, some North Koreans, including children from nearby camps, appeared briefly under supervision. A rare exchange occurred when Samsonova spoke with a local girl in English, but such moments were tightly managed.
- Tour duration: Eight days, with four beach days.
- Cultural stops: Monuments and souvenir shops in Pyongyang.
- Digital limits: Expensive internet, restricted access.
Geopolitical ties fuel tourism
The resort’s opening aligns with strengthening Russia-North Korea ties, highlighted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit during the first tour. Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University, notes that post-2017 sanctions crushed Pyongyang’s hopes for global tourism. “Russians are a safe bet due to shared interests,” he said, referencing military support for Russia’s Ukraine conflict.
Wonsan, a strategic city with missile launch sites, holds personal significance for Kim Jong Un, who spent his youth there. While tourists saw no military activity, souvenirs like $40 Hwasong-17 missile replicas were popular. The resort’s allure lies in its exclusivity, but its “raw” state disappointed some, like tourist Daria, who preferred established destinations.
- Bilateral ties: Tourism strengthens Russia-North Korea alliance.
- Unique souvenirs: Missile replicas and Olympic uniforms for sale.
- Sanctions impact: Limit global tourist access.
Labor concerns cloud the project
Construction of Wonsan Kalma, started in 2018, drew criticism from human rights groups. Reports allege workers faced grueling hours in harsh conditions with inadequate pay, clashing with the resort’s polished image. These concerns highlight ethical dilemmas behind the “immaculate” facade. Daria, another tourist, noted the resort’s unfinished feel, suggesting it suits those seeking exotic experiences over luxury.
The project aims to bolster North Korea’s economy, strained by sanctions. Yet, its restricted access and heavy oversight limit its potential as a global destination, focusing instead on controlled, high-cost tourism for Russians.
- Labor issues: Reports of poor worker conditions during construction.
- Economic goal: Resort seeks to generate revenue under sanctions.
- Limited appeal: Suits niche, adventure-seeking tourists.
A monitored vacation experience
Tourists face constant oversight, with guides and security ensuring compliance. Samsonova recalled a startled local maid fleeing after encountering a tourist, underscoring locals’ unfamiliarity with foreigners. “They’re not used to us,” a guide explained, justifying the heavy security presence.
Russian tourism to North Korea is growing but remains small. In 2024, 1,500 Russians visited, rising to nearly 3,000 in Q2 2025, compared to 6.7 million to Turkey. The niche appeal of Wonsan Kalma lies in its isolation and strict control, offering a rare glimpse into a closed nation.
- Constant oversight: Security monitors all tourist activities.
- Tourism growth: Modest but rising numbers of Russian visitors.
- Limited contact: Minimal interaction with locals.