North Korea Unveils Wonsan Kalma Resort, Targeting Russian Tourists and Boosting Local Economy
North Korea Unveils Wonsan Kalma Resort, Targeting Russian Tourists and Boosting Local Economy
North Korea has officially opened its new Wonsan Kalma beach resort, a significant development aimed at attracting Russian tourists and bolstering the country’s tourism sector. The announcement comes from South Korea’s Unification Ministry, confirming the completion of the ambitious project.
Located on North Korea’s picturesque eastern coast, near a former missile testing site, the sprawling Wonsan Kalma complex is set to welcome domestic tourists starting this July. The resort features a four-kilometer stretch of coastline boasting hotels, diverse restaurants, shopping centers, and a water park. Accommodations range from budget-friendly options to luxurious VIP cottages, alongside hotels offering a wide array of amenities, as reported by North Korean state media agency KCNA.
The resort’s completion marks the culmination of a project that faced significant delays. Originally slated for an April 2019 opening to commemorate the birthday of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung, construction was hampered by international sanctions-related difficulties in acquiring necessary materials and the global COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Korean Herald.
The Wonsan region holds personal significance for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who grew up there and has long expressed a strong desire to develop the area into a major tourist destination. Many of the country’s elite also reside in Wonsan, underscoring its importance in the nation’s economic and social landscape.
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