Inside North Korea's World-Class Tourist Resort

VHO - The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on July 2 that North Korea has opened the large-scale Wonsan Kalma tourist area on the country's east coast, attracting many visitors.

North Koreans relax on the beach at the eastern coastal tourist area of Wonsan-Kalma on July 1. Photo: KCNA

North Koreans are spending big at the giant Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist resort that opened in late June.

North Korea's state news agency KCNA released images of tourists enjoying a beach break at the Wonsan Kalma resort this week.

"Visitors can enjoy swimming, water games and other activities at a newly opened giant beach resort," KCNA reported on July 2.

The Wonsan-Kalma east coast tourist area, which can accommodate about 20,000 people, is at the heart of leader Kim Jong-un's tourism push to improve the country's economy .

North Korean media also describes Wonsan Kalma as a modern resort complex, including many comfortable hotels and resorts.

This place is fully equipped with entertainment services such as swimming, sports , along with restaurants and high-class dining facilities, ready to meet the needs of domestic and foreign tourists.

Attract large numbers of tourists

The Wonsan-Kalma area, North Korea's largest tourist complex, began operating on July 1, attracting large numbers of North Koreans to swim outdoors, play on slides and other games at the water park in the area, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"The visitors were excited and overwhelmed with emotions for the amazing new experience at the resort. They were also amazed by the beauty and magnificence of the city, with more than 400 artistically designed buildings lining the white sand beach, creating a perfect combination," KCNA reported.

Photos released by North Korean state media showed children happily playing in the sea, while others in colorful swimsuits smiled and sat under red and white sun umbrellas.

At the opening ceremony last week, leader Kim Jong Un noted that it would be "one of the greatest successes this year" and called the opening a "proud first step" toward realizing the tourism development policy.

State media has stressed that North Korea plans to build other similar tourist areas across the country in the coming time. However, it is still unclear when international tourism will be fully restored.

Since 2022, North Korea has gradually eased restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic and reopened its borders in stages.

In February this year, North Korea allowed a small group of international tourists to visit the northeastern border city of Rason.

Last year, more than 2,000 Russians, including only about 880 tourists, visited North Korea.

According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency , a group of Russian tourists are expected to arrive at the resort on July 7.

"The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area should play a leading role in laying the foundation for North Korea's tourism culture," Kim said, adding that the resort must provide the best facilities and entertainment for visitors.

The opening of the Wonsan Kalma tourist area is expected to revive the tourism industry and attract important foreign currency amid ongoing international sanctions against North Korea.

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