North Korea Bars Foreign Tourists from Newly Opened Seaside Resort
Enet
North Korea has announced that foreign tourists will not be permitted to visit its newly inaugurated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, marking a sudden shift from earlier plans to position the development as a major international tourism destination.
The resort, officially opened on 1 July, is a flagship project under leader Kim Jong Un’s broader efforts to revitalize the country’s tourism sector. Heavily promoted in the months leading up to its launch, the seaside complex was marketed as a destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.
However, a recent notice published on North Korea’s official tourism website states that access for foreign nationals is now “temporarily” suspended. No reason has been provided for the decision.
The announcement comes shortly after a delegation of Russian tourists reportedly visited the resort, coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s high-profile meeting with Kim in Wonsan. Lavrov described the project as a “good tourist attraction” and expressed optimism that it would become a favored destination for Russian travelers. Direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang are scheduled to commence later this month.
According to Russian tour operators, additional visits to the resort had been planned over the coming months, underscoring the abrupt nature of the new restrictions.
Strategically located on North Korea’s east coast, Wonsan is home to key military installations, a major maritime hub, and private retreats used by the country’s political elite. It is also closely associated with Kim Jong Un’s upbringing.
The expansive resort development stretches over four kilometers of beachfront and features hotels, restaurants, shopping complexes, and a water park. State media reports indicate the facility can accommodate up to 20,000 guests at full capacity.
Despite its grandeur, the project has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations. Construction, which began in 2018, has been marred by reports of forced labor, with workers allegedly subjected to harsh conditions, extended hours, and minimal compensation.
Dignitaries from Russia, including senior diplomats, attended the resort’s completion ceremony on 24 June, alongside Kim Jong Un and members of his family.
North Korea had only recently reopened its borders to limited tourism following years of pandemic-related closures. In early 2025, tourists from several Western countries, including Australia, France, Germany, and the UK, were briefly permitted entry. That initiative was abruptly suspended within weeks, again without explanation.
The sudden reversal on foreign access to the Wonsan resort raises questions about Pyongyang’s long-term tourism strategy and the geopolitical considerations influencing its hospitality sector.
