Unveiling the 'Benidorm' of North Korea
North Korea's newest attraction, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, has recently opened its doors to a select group of foreign visitors, primarily from Russia. Located on the country's eastern coast, this sprawling resort was inaugurated with much fanfare by leader Kim Jong Un on June 24, 2025. Billed as a potential 'world destination,' the resort features hotels, dining options, shopping areas, a water park, and even mini-golf along a 5-kilometer stretch of coastline.
Among the first to experience this unique destination was Anastasia Samsonova, a Russian tourist who visited last month with a group of 14 others. Her account paints a picture of a highly controlled environment juxtaposed with luxurious amenities. 'The beaches there are immaculate,' she noted, describing the pristine coastal views that rival popular vacation spots. Yet, the presence of security guards and strict guidelines hinted at the unusual nature of this holiday spot in a nation largely closed off to the world.
Strict Rules and Guarded Experiences
Anastasia's trip was anything but a typical beach getaway. Accompanied by guides and security personnel at all times, her group followed a fixed itinerary with no room for deviation without explicit permission from North Korean authorities. 'The guards were needed to prevent situations where we interacted with locals and startled them,' she recalled being told, highlighting the regime's tight grip on foreign interactions.
The resort, often likened to Spain's Benidorm due to its ambitious scale, offered hearty meals and impressive facilities, according to Anastasia. She spoke of 'meaty meals' that stood out during her stay. However, the constant oversight by guards underscored the controlled nature of the visit, a stark reminder of the country's isolationist policies even as it seeks to attract tourism.
Shortly after its opening to foreigners, North Korean tourism authorities announced a temporary ban on international visitors to Wonsan Kalma, as reported on July 18, 2025. This sudden closure dimmed hopes for broader access to the complex, leaving questions about the future of tourism in the secretive state.
Future Prospects for Wonsan Kalma
Kim Jong Un's vision for Wonsan Kalma as a global tourism hub remains ambitious yet uncertain. The resort's opening coincided with diplomatic engagements, including a visit from Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signaling potential interest from allied nations like Russia and China. Despite this, the ban on foreign tourists weeks after the initial opening has cast doubts on the project's immediate accessibility.
Details surrounding the construction of the resort remain shrouded in secrecy, reflecting North Korea's opaque governance. While Anastasia's experience offers a rare glimpse into this new venture, the broader implications for international tourism in the country are unclear. As the world watches, Wonsan Kalma stands as both a symbol of potential openness and a reminder of the stringent controls that define North Korea.