Wonsan Kalma: Inside North Korea’s New Beach Resort Adventure

Wonsan Kalma: Inside North Korea’s New Beach Resort Adventure
Wonsan Kalma: A Unique North Korea Beach Resort Experience.

Explore Wonsan Kalma, North Korea’s new beach resort. Learn about its rules, beauty, and tourist experience. A rare trip revealed.
Wonsan Kalma is North Korea’s newest beach resort. It opened on July 1, 2025. It’s a big deal. Kim Jong Un calls it a top success. But it’s not your usual vacation spot. Guards watch you. Rules are strict. Only Russians can visit now. Let’s dive into what Wonsan Kalma is like. It’s a rare peek into a closed country.
Anastasia Samsonova, a 33-year-old from Russia, went there. She was among the first tourists. Her group had 15 people. They stayed three days. The resort is on North Korea’s east coast. It’s near where Kim spent his childhood. Wonsan Kalma has hotels, restaurants, and a water park. It can hold 20,000 guests. But it’s mostly empty now.
For instance, the beaches are stunning. White sand. Cleaned daily. Anastasia loved it. “Everything was spotless,” she said. The loungers were new. The sea was gentle. No crowds. Unlike busy resorts in Turkey or Thailand. But guards followed her group. They stopped locals from talking to tourists. This kept things controlled.
Moreover, rules were tight. No photos of construction sites. No revealing clothes. Guides set the schedule. You couldn’t wander off. Anastasia said locals stared. They’re not used to foreigners. North Korea closed its borders in 2020 for COVID. It only let Russians back in 2024. Others, like Chinese, can’t visit Wonsan Kalma yet.
However, the resort is special. It’s near a missile testing site. Toy rockets are sold for $40. No launches happened during Anastasia’s trip. But the area feels unique. It’s not just a beach. It’s North Korea. A place few see. For more travel stories, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW).
![Image: Aerial view of Wonsan Kalma with hotels and beach umbrellas. Source: KCNA via BBC News]
The trip wasn’t cheap. A week-long tour costs $1,800. That’s high for Russia. It includes three days at Wonsan Kalma and time in Pyongyang. Food was good. Lots of meat in sweet and sour sauce. Cabbage and carrot dishes too. Beer was cheap—60 cents for 500ml. Tourists bought Olympic clothing as souvenirs.
Nevertheless, not everyone loves it. Another tourist, Daria, posted on Instagram. She called it “raw.” Not like typical vacations. But perfect for adventure seekers. If you’re tired of usual spots, Wonsan Kalma is exotic. It’s different. That’s the draw.
For example, the resort’s history is long. Plans started in 2013. Construction began in 2018. Sanctions and COVID delayed it. Work stopped for years. Buildings were half-finished. Some say homeless people used them. But in 2024, Russia helped finish it. Kim Jong Un cut the ribbon on June 24, 2025. His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was there. It’s a family project.
Therefore, why the hype? North Korea needs money. Sanctions hurt its economy. Tourism brings cash. Wonsan Kalma is Kim’s big bet. He wants it to be a world-class spot. But only Russians are allowed now. China might join soon. Others, like Americans or South Koreans, won’t visit anytime soon.
As a result, the resort feels exclusive. Only 1,500 Russians toured North Korea in 2024. Compare that to 6.7 million in Turkey. Or 1.9 million in China. In 2025, 1,673 Russians visited by June. That’s a jump. But still small. Wonsan Kalma is for the elite. Or those seeking rare trips.
Here’s a data table. It shows tourist numbers to North Korea.

Anastasia said the beaches were “immaculate” and mostly deserted

Year
Russian Tourists
Other Countries
Notes

2023
900
0
Borders mostly closed

2024
1,500
Few (Western)
Limited reopening

2025 (Q2)
1,673
Russians only
Wonsan Kalma open

However, there’s a dark side. Human rights groups are upset. They say workers faced harsh conditions. Long hours. Little pay. Some call it forced labor. The UN reported “shock brigades” built Wonsan Kalma. Workers toiled 24 hours at times. BBC Verify confirmed this. North Korea didn’t respond to these claims

North Korean rocket models cost around $40 each

For instance, Anastasia didn’t see this. Her trip was fun. She wants to return. Maybe to a ski resort nearby. But the rules are strict. Guards watch every move. It’s not a free vacation. You’re watched. Always.

In addition, experts question its future. Andrei Lankov, a professor, says it won’t attract many. Russians prefer Turkey or Egypt. Better service. Less control. North Korea limits tourists to avoid envy. Locals might see foreigners’ wealth. That’s risky for the regime.
Furthermore, the resort isn’t fully done. Some hotels are empty. A rooftop pool isn’t filled. A new train station is being built. Its purpose is unclear. Coaches fill parking lots, but private cars are rare. It’s lively, yet incomplete.
As such, Wonsan Kalma is a gamble. It cost a lot. North Korea needs tourists to break even. Russians alone won’t do it. Chinese tourists could help. But they’re not allowed yet. For more global news, visit https://america112.com/.
Despite this, Anastasia loved it. The quiet beaches. The clean resort. It felt special. She hopes to go back. But trips are uncertain. Russian agencies planned September tours. North Korea canceled them. No reason given.
Indeed, Wonsan Kalma is unique. It’s not just a resort. It’s a symbol. Kim wants to show progress. To his people. To the world. But it’s tightly controlled. Like everything in North Korea.

The resort features hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and a water park, according to state media

Therefore, it’s for adventurers. People who want rare experiences. Not typical beach-goers. It’s a glimpse into a secret land.
For example, social media shows excitement. On X, users call it “wild.” One said, “A beach in North Korea? Insane.” Another wants to go. Quora users ask about safety. Reddit debates if it’s worth $1,800.
Consequently, it’s a niche spot. Not for everyone. But for some, it’s thrilling.
In fact, North Korea’s tourism is growing. Slowly. Russians lead the way. China might follow. Others are blocked.
On the other hand, human rights issues linger. Forced labor claims hurt its image. Tourists like Anastasia don’t see this. But it’s there.
Instead, focus on the experience. Clean beaches. Unique vibe. Strict rules. It’s a trade-off.
Similarly, other closed places attract travelers. Like Cuba or Bhutan. They’re exclusive. Hard to reach.
Likewise, Wonsan Kalma draws curious souls. Those who want stories. Not just sun.
Besides, it’s a political move. North Korea and Russia are close. Both face sanctions. They help each other. Russia sent aid for Wonsan Kalma. It’s a bond.
Additionally, the resort has style. Hotels line a 4km beach. Water parks add fun. But Anastasia’s group didn’t use them. Their schedule was fixed.
Furthermore, costs are high. $1,800 is steep. Average Russian salaries are lower. Yet some pay for the adventure.
For instance, compare other destinations. A week in Turkey costs $800. Thailand is similar. Wonsan Kalma is pricier. But it’s rare.
As a result, it’s for the bold. Those who want something new. Not just a beach.
Hence, Wonsan Kalma stands out. It’s not Benidorm. It’s North Korea. Guards and all.
Thus, it’s a story to tell. A trip few take.

Anastasia says the beaches were “immaculate” and virtually deserted most of the time

There is a long promenade that lines the front of the hotels at the resort

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