North Korea is set to open a long-delayed beach resort in the eastern port city of Wonsan, in what leader Kim Jong Un has declared a new chapter for the country’s tourism sector, despite ongoing international sanctions and limited access for foreign visitors.

The Wonsan Kalma resort, which spans a 4-kilometre stretch along the coast, is scheduled to open for domestic tourists on 1 July—six years after its initial planned completion.

Although it remains unclear when or if the resort will welcome foreigners, state media describes the project as a “great, auspicious event of the whole country” and a “prelude to the new era” in tourism.

The development, which reportedly features hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and a water park, was envisioned by Kim as a way to transform his childhood town of Wonsan into a tourist destination.

The city is known for its ties to the ruling elite, who maintain private villas there, and it once served as a missile launch site.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the resort can host up to 20,000 visitors, although these claims remain unverified.

Kim, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae, attended a ceremony marking the resort’s completion on 24 June—Ri’s first public appearance since a New Year’s event. Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora and his embassy staff were also present, underscoring growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Despite its ambitions, North Korea’s push to grow tourism faces steep challenges.

The country remains under heavy international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme and was largely sealed off during the Covid pandemic.

It only began easing travel restrictions in mid-2023, with Russian tourists allowed in later that year and a brief reopening to Western visitors in February 2025—an effort that was abruptly reversed weeks later without explanation.

Some international tour operators doubt whether the Wonsan resort will appeal to foreign travellers. “I was hoping this might signal a broader reopening to international tourism, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case for now,” said Rowan Beard, co-founder of Young Pioneer Tours.

He added that “key sites like Pyongyang, the DMZ, and other brutalist or communist landmarks will continue to be the main highlights for international visitors once broader tourism resumes.”

However, others see potential in North Korea’s unique approach to tourism.

Elliott Davies, director of Uri Tours, noted, “It’s intriguing to experience something as familiar as a beach resort that’s been shaped within the unique cultural context of North Korea.” He added that the country continues to hold “niche appeal” for travellers drawn to unconventional destinations.

The resort's prolonged delay was attributed to construction challenges before the pandemic struck in early 2020, leading to a complete closure of borders.

The opening now coincides with renewed cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with both countries recently resuming direct passenger train services between their capitals after a five-year halt.

There is speculation that Russian tourists could be among the first foreigners granted access to the new resort.

The project reflects Pyongyang’s continued focus on grand development projects despite limited resources. North Korea remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with much of its spending directed toward its military and large symbolic constructions that promote the legacy of the Kim family.