North Korea Opens Kalma Coastal Resort After Seven Years of Construction

International

North Korea has officially opened a large coastal resort in Kalma, located along the country’s eastern shoreline. According to state media, leader Kim Jong Un described the development as one of the year’s greatest achievements.

On Tuesday, Kim presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Kalma coastal tourist area, which spans approximately four kilometers. The resort is scheduled to begin welcoming domestic tourists starting July 1.

The new facility includes accommodation for nearly 20,000 guests, offering a mix of housing, hotels, and hostels intended for both domestic and international visitors. Amenities include beaches for swimming, recreational and sports facilities, along with commercial and food service establishments.

Kim stated that the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort is intended to set a benchmark for North Korean tourism culture and referred to it as a foundational project for the country’s cultural tourism sector.

He was joined at the opening by his daughter, Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, who made her first public appearance since a New Year’s Day arts event in January 2024. Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora also attended the ceremony.

The event follows North Korea’s gradual reopening to international visitors. In February, foreign tourists entered the country for the first time in five years when the touristic border city of Rason, near China, reopened after being closed since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.