Tourism in North Korea: In a rare move aimed at boosting its economy, North Korea is preparing to open a major tourist destination along its eastern coast. The Wonsan-Kalma coastal zone, which has been under construction since 2017, will officially open its doors to local tourists on July 1. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inaugurated the site earlier this week, calling it a “proud first step” toward developing a stronger tourism sector.

Originally planned to launch in 2019, the project faced repeated delays due to construction setbacks and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Now, six years later, the resort is finally set to welcome visitors — although, for the time being, only domestic tourists are permitted. When foreign tourists might be allowed entry remains uncertain, but there is growing speculation that North Korea could gradually open the zone to international travelers in the near future.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including swimming areas, sports venues, and accommodations for up to 20,000 guests. The North Korean government is positioning the development as a potential driver of foreign revenue, with hopes that it will attract international tourism and increase foreign currency reserves.

However, tourism in North Korea remains heavily controlled. Foreign visitors must travel through state-approved tour operators and are only allowed to access designated areas under strict supervision. Despite these restrictions, the opening of the Wonsan-Kalma resort marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to tourism.

While questions remain about accessibility and transparency, the project signals North Korea’s desire to slowly integrate tourism into its broader economic plans. Whether this will lead to more openness or simply a new way to control narratives remains to be seen.

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