Cost of Staying at North Korea's Latest Resort Revealed

Cost of Staying at North Korea's Latest Resort Revealed

The Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort, a long-awaited coastal development in North Korea, officially opened its doors to tourists on June 24, 2025. Located on the eastern coast near the Kalma Peninsula, the resort spans approximately 4 to 5 kilometers of pristine beachfront.

The resort, designed primarily for Russian tourists, boasts an impressive capacity to accommodate around 20,000 guests. It offers a variety of lodging options, from standard hotels and budget accommodations to more luxurious VIP cottages, catering to diverse visitor preferences. Amenities range from standard hotel facilities to more luxurious options for higher-tier guests.

The development includes hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park, with colorful furniture and seating arranged along the beach and in recreational zones. A tram line was planned to ferry visitors along the shoreline, enhancing mobility within the resort area. The resort aims to provide leisure activities typical of a beach city resort, contributing to North Korea’s ambitions to develop Wonsan into a regional tourism hub comparable to other coastal destinations.

The opening ceremony was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his wife Ri Sol-ju, their daughter Kim Ju-ae, and the Russian ambassador, underscoring the resort’s importance and international interest. Kim Jong Un described the project as a "prelude to the new era" in North Korea’s tourism industry, highlighting hopes that the resort will boost tourism and generate foreign currency, especially by attracting visitors from Russia.

While specific details about future tour packages have not been publicly detailed, the resort’s scale and diverse accommodations suggest a plan to cater both to domestic and international tourists. The North Korean authorities aim to open this resort more broadly, potentially marking the beginning of a broader opening of the country to tourism after pandemic-related restrictions.

The Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone is intended to embody the principle of the Workers' Party of Korea: "The people are the most important." Kim Jong Un was involved in the construction of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone, guaranteeing that tourism is a field of great future prospects in North Korea due to political stability and systemic solidity.

During the opening event, a concert and a fireworks display were held in the evening, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the resort. The first group of Russian tourists arrived on July 7, marking the start of a new chapter in North Korea's tourism industry. The Wonsan-Kalma resort costs approximately $1800 for an 8-day trip, making it an attractive destination for many tourists.

References: [1] North Korea Opens Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort for Tourists. (2025). NK News. Retrieved from https://www.nknews.org/2025/06/north-korea-opens-wonsan-kalma-beach-resort-for-tourists/

[2] North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort Opens. (2025). Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-wonsan-kalma-beach-resort-opens-2025-06-24/

[3] North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort: A New Era for Tourism. (2025). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-61115736

[4] Kim Jong Un Opens Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort. (2025). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/24/kim-jong-un-opens-wonsan-kalma-beach-resort-in-north-korea-as-part-of-tourism-drive

At the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort, tourists can enjoy a unique travel experience that blends leisure activities typical of a beach city resort with the cultural allure of North Korea, thanks to its diverse accommodations and amenities. The resort, designed with Russian tourists in mind, represents a significant lifestyle shift for North Korea, aiming to boost tourism and generate foreign currency.

Read also: