In pictures of the Wonsan Kalma resort, one might mistake it for a typical vacation spot frequented by British tourists, resembling those in popular destinations like Spain, Turkey, Portugal, or Greece. Visitors appear carefree, enjoying water slides, lounging on inflatables, and playing on sandy beaches.
However, these scenes are not from a conventional travel hotspot on most people’s radars. They showcase a state-built coastal tourism venture in North Korea, initiated in summer 2025 on the country’s east coast. Despite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s efforts to promote the project as a future tourist hub, it is unlikely to attract British travelers any time soon due to current Foreign Office advisories against non-essential travel to North Korea.
Primarily catering to local tourists, the resort has only allowed a limited number of international visitors, mainly from Russia, to experience its amenities. Visitors must adhere to strict regulations, including pre-planned schedules and mandatory official guides, creating a controlled and less spontaneous travel experience. Additionally, the proximity to military and missile testing areas discourages visitors from venturing outside the guarded zone independently.
Situated in the city of Wonsan along an extensive sandy shoreline, the resort was envisioned by Kim Jong Un in 2018 as the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, intended to rival top luxury resorts worldwide. Despite facing setbacks from a typhoon in 2020, the resort, capable of hosting up to 20,000 tourists as per state media reports, finally opened last summer. Images from the inauguration depict Kim Jong Un waving to an enthusiastic crowd amid a grand firework display.
Anastasia Samsonova, a Russian visitor, shared her experience at the resort with the BBC in a July interview. She highlighted the stringent control over the trip, requiring official approval for any deviations from the itinerary by North Korean authorities. Anastasia noted the modest dress code enforced and restrictions on photographing construction sites, but praised the well-maintained beach and affordable dining options, including various meat dishes and inexpensive beverages.
The resort’s specifics remain vague, with government-released glossy photos offering glimpses of its offerings, such as a water park and beach activities. A Russian travel website promoting trips to the area describes a typical itinerary from June to September, featuring beach mornings in Wonsan, comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and a visit to vibrant Pyongyang for panoramic views and cultural experiences, all facilitated by Russian-speaking guides.
During its construction phase, the resort faced criticism from human rights organizations concerned about alleged forced labor, inadequate pay and working conditions, and the lack of transparency surrounding its development. The controversial aspects of the project have raised ethical questions about its operations and the treatment of workers.
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