The secretive nation of North Korea has unveiled its latest ambitious endeavor in the tourism sector, the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort. This luxurious development recently welcomed its inaugural group of foreign visitors, a contingent of fifteen Russian tourists, signaling a potential shift in the country’s approach to international engagement and economic revitalization through tourism.

Nestled on North Korea’s picturesque east coast, the Wonsan Kalma resort boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to entice international travelers. Postcards from the site reveal pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and towering high-rise hotels, all contributing to a vision of a modern holiday paradise.

Opened by the nation’s leader in June, the resort marks a new chapter for North Korean tourism, positioning it as a potentially lucrative avenue for foreign currency. Visitors can expect a comprehensive holiday experience, with offerings including swimming in the sea, various sports activities, and dining at on-site restaurants, though a week-long stay is reportedly priced around £1,500.

Despite its grand aspirations of accommodating up to 20,000 visitors, the Wonsan Kalma resort is currently operating under a limited access policy. For now, only tourists from Russia are permitted to experience its facilities, highlighting a cautious and controlled rollout of this significant tourism project.

Among the first Russian visitors was Anastasiya Samsonova, a 33-year-old HR manager, who shared her positive impressions of the resort. Her testimony, stating, “We saw nothing terrible there, there is no danger there. Frankly speaking, we really liked it,” offers a rare glimpse into the on-the-ground experience for foreign guests in this previously inaccessible nation.

Intriguingly, the design and concept of the Wonsan Kalma resort were reportedly inspired by Benidorm, the popular Spanish holiday destination. In 2017, North Korea’s leadership dispatched a high-level delegation, including politicians and architects, to study the European resort’s successful model, indicating a deliberate strategy to replicate global tourism standards.

This significant investment in tourism aligns with the nation’s broader efforts to stimulate its struggling economy. By opening up its borders, even incrementally, to international leisure travel, the country aims to generate much-needed revenue and diversify its economic sources, marking a strategic pivot towards tourism as a key sector for growth.

The Wonsan Kalma project is but one component of a larger vision for tourism development across the country, with reports indicating plans for additional sites. Russian travel agencies, such as Vostok Intur, are actively promoting tours to the nation, with director Irina Kobeleva asserting a remarkable 400 bookings per month, suggesting a burgeoning interest from this particular market.