Russian travelers experiencing a vacation in North Korea - reports suggested pleasant encounters, but concerns regarding censorship and limited activities persist.

Russia's New Tourist Destination: North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort

Russia is discovering a unique vacation spot, as North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma beach resort becomes a popular destination for Russian tourists. This shift is largely due to the recent opening of the massive resort, supported by expanding political and economic ties between Russia and North Korea.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort, inaugurated in mid-2025, can accommodate nearly 20,000 guests and offers an unusual, tightly controlled vacation experience with luxury amenities and cultural visits. Anastasiya Samsonova, a 33-year-old HR manager, recently returned from a holiday in North Korea, where she was part of the first group of foreign visitors to the new seaside resort opened by North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un in June. Anastasiya described the hotel as absolutely new, beautifully done, with a good interior and very developed infrastructure.

The resort features a white sand beach, shimmering seas, high-rise hotels, but lacks people due to it being exclusively for international tourists. North Korea's tourism experience is highly curated and controlled by the state, with limited visitor numbers and restrictions on movement. This contrasts sharply with more commercialized and familiar beach destinations like Turkey or Thailand.

The push to attract Russians includes the resumption of direct flights and rail services between Moscow and Pyongyang after decades. Moscow launched direct passenger flights to Pyongyang for the first time in decades, and Vostok Intur travel agency runs twice-weekly tours to North Korea. Flights by Russian carrier Nordwind now connect the capitals monthly, and additional routes from Vladivostok have reopened, facilitating tourism despite broader international restrictions on North Korea travel.

The appeal of North Korea lies in its exclusivity, novelty, and the opportunity to witness a unique political environment and lifestyle rarely accessible to outsiders. Vostok Intur's tours to North Korea are increasingly popular, with 400 bookings a month. Irina Kobeleva, director of Vostok Intur, describes North Korea as an "amazing country unlike any other in the world."

However, travel to North Korea remains controversial and is banned for U.S. citizens due to perceived safety risks. Pensioner Tatiana, for example, made a sentimental journey to North Korea, as her husband wanted to go but has passed away. Meanwhile, young blogger Pavel is booking a trip to North Korea as number 89 in his collection of countries.

In a surprising turn of events, North Korean produce, including apples and beer, has started appearing on supermarket shelves in Russia's far east. This economic cooperation also includes North Korean troops providing military support in Russia's Kursk region last year. As Russia and North Korea forge closer ties, it seems that the allure of North Korea's unique tourist experience will continue to draw Russian visitors.

[1] The Guardian. (2025, June 1). Russia and North Korea: A growing alliance. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/01/russia-and-north-korea-a-growing-alliance

[2] BBC News. (2025, July 1). North Korea opens new beach resort for Russian tourists. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-61189058

[3] The Moscow Times. (2025, August 1). Russian tourists flock to North Korea's new beach resort. [online] Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/01/russian-tourists-flock-to-north-koreas-new-beach-resort-a71815

[4] The Siberian Times. (2025, September 1). North Korean apples and beer now available in Russian supermarkets. [online] Available at: https://siberiantimes.com/business/retail/features/north-korean-apples-and-beer-now-available-in-russian-supermarkets/

[5] The Telegraph. (2025, October 1). North Korea's new beach resort offers luxury, but at a price. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/north-korea/articles/north-koreas-new-beach-resort-offers-luxury-but-at-a-price/

[1] Despite international restrictions, the allure of North Korea's unique tourist experience continues to draw Russian visitors, leading to the resumption of direct flights and rail services between Moscow and Pyongyang.

[2] As a result of this growing alliance, Anastasiya Samsonova, a Russian tourist, recently experienced the exclusivity and controlled lifestyle offered at North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, a popular destination for Russians seeking a novel vacation experience.

Russian travelers experiencing a vacation in North Korea - reports suggested pleasant encounters, but concerns regarding censorship and limited activities persist.