North Korea has banned foreign tourists from entering Wonsan Kalma, a newly opened beach resort on the country's east coast. The ban was imposed weeks after the government promoted it as a world-class tourist and cultural destination.
According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the website run by North Korea's tourism authority, DPR Korea Tour, stated in a notice on Friday, July 18, 2025, that the Wonsan-Kalma tourist complex was temporarily not accepting foreign tourists. The website did not provide further details, including the reason for the ban or how long it would be in effect.
Prior to the ban, Kim Jong-un hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Wonsan-Kalma, instead of Pyongyang, on July 12. This was seen as an effort to promote the resort. Kim even told Lavrov that he was the first foreign guest since the resort opened, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry transcript cited by the Independent, a statement that also served as informal publicity.
Lavrov promised to help boost tourism in North Korea. However, North Korean authorities abruptly halted foreign tourists' access to the site.
Inaugurated on June 24
The project, centered on a long white sandy beach near the airport in Kangwon Province, was delayed by international sanctions and the Covid-19 pandemic. The resort only opened on June 24, well after its original launch date of April 15, 2019, which coincided with the birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. State media said services for domestic tourists would begin July 1.
The resort has attracted visitors from across the country, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). State media called it a "national treasure-level tourist town," a glitzy seaside property.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated the resort's opening, calling it one of the regime's greatest successes this year.
Wonsan-Kalma Facilities
The resort stretches along 2.5 miles of coastline and can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors, according to state media. The resort is reportedly equipped with facilities aimed at rivaling global beach destinations. Kim Jong Un sent a delegation to Benidorm to study the theme park, high-rise hotels, and marina facilities.
A North Korean tourism brochure cited by the BBC lists 43 hotels lining the beachfront, alongside guesthouses on an artificial lake and campgrounds catering to a variety of tourists. When the resort opened, Kim Jong Un was seen relaxing by the pool next to his daughter and heir apparent, Kim Ju Ae, with a pack of cigarettes, a cold drink, and a towel.
Tourism is a crucial source of income for Kim. However, since easing border controls due to the pandemic, North Korea has received only a handful of Russian visitors. Foreign tourists are strictly monitored, usually confined to approved accommodations and restricted in their movements.
North Korea has not explained the reason for restricting foreign access to the resort, although some analysts suggest it may still be undergoing development or final repairs.
Analysts suggest that Pyongyang's sudden ban may reflect disappointed foreign demand or a fear of exposing the country's true nature to outsiders.
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