North Korea Opens Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone

On July 1, North Korea officially inaugurated the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a complex resort located in Gangwon Province. According to the Korean Central News Agency (조선중앙통신), the opening day saw a significant influx of visitors eager to experience this unique tourist destination. Tourists from various regions, including nearby Gangwon and South Hamgyong provinces, as well as the capital Pyongyang and northern areas like North Hamgyong, Yanggang, and Jagang provinces, flocked to the site. Photos released by the agency depicted vacationers joyfully diving into the sea against a backdrop of a beach filled with umbrellas.

The tourist zone is divided into two sections, the Myongsasipri Recreation Area 1 and 2, featuring a range of accommodations, sports and leisure facilities, cinemas, and department stores. Numerous dining options are available, including the famous Okryu Restaurant, known for its Pyongyang cold noodles, which has opened a branch in the area. Other establishments include restaurants serving bulgogi, soft drink cafes, and tea houses specializing in Korean ginseng, along with beer houses.

The completion ceremony for the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone was attended by Kim Jong-un on June 24, alongside his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju-ae. The zone is set to open to foreign tourists later this month. The Korean Central News Agency described the tourist area as having the capacity to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests, offering a variety of hotels and inns tailored to the preferences of both domestic and international visitors. Additionally, Russian news agency TASS reported that Russian tourists are scheduled to be the first foreign visitors to the resort on July 7.