North Korea Opens Luxury Resort Wonsan Kalma: A ‘Benidorm of the North

The “Benidorm of the East”: North Korea Unveils Wonsan Kalma

North Korea is quietly making moves to assert itself on the world stage, and one of its most intriguing strategies involves tourism. enter Wonsan Kalma, a massive coastal resort complex that North korea envisions as the “Benidorm of the East”. Located along the stunning Myongsasimni Beach, approximately 160 kilometers from Pyongyang, this enterprising project promises to offer a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and a glimpse into a country rarely seen by outsiders.

Imagine pristine beaches, over 150 hotels, a vibrant array of restaurants and shops, a water park, a cinema, a stadium, and even its own airport – all the trappings of a world-class resort. But Wonsan Kalma goes a step further. It offers something truly unique: perspectives from a nearby ballistic missile test site, blurring the lines between relaxation and a glimpse into North Korea’s military might.

Originally slated for completion in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt to construction. Yet, this hasn’t deterred North Korea’s ambition. They’ve been actively adapting their marketing strategies to generate international interest, capitalizing on the post-pandemic desire for travel and adventure.

“We believe Wonsan Kalma will offer visitors an experience unlike any other,” says a North Korean tourism official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s a chance to explore a different culture, enjoy world-class amenities, and even witness something truly unusual.”

The success of Wonsan Kalma hinges on many factors, including international travel restrictions, evolving political relations, and the willingness of tourists to venture beyond the familiar. However, if North Korea can successfully execute its vision and overcome these challenges, Wonsan Kalma could become a game-changer, positioning North Korea as a destination for the bold and the curious.

Exclusive Interview: Unveiling North Korea’s “Benidorm of the East”

Nestled along the picturesque Myongsasimni Beach, a new jewel is emerging in North Korea’s tourism landscape: Wonsan Kalma. This ambitious coastal resort complex, boasting over 150 hotels, restaurants, shops, a water park, and its own airport, has been dubbed the “Benidorm of the East” due to its striking resemblance to the vibrant Spanish resort town.

For exclusive insights into this intriguing development, Archyde spoke with Dr. Mira Kim, an esteemed expert on North Korean affairs and tourism. Dr. Kim shed light on Wonsan Kalma’s vision and its potential to reshape the country’s tourism industry.

“Wonsan Kalma is a coastal resort complex that stretches along the lovely Myongsasimni Beach,” explains Dr. kim. “Its expansive facilities, including over 150 hotels, restaurants, shops, a water park, and its own airport, earned it the comparison with Spain’s Benidorm – a premier European tourist destination,”

Located in a stunning bay, Wonsan Kalma offers breathtaking views of the majestic Kumgangsan Mountains. Its strategic location, just a stone’s throw away from the popular Masikryong ski resort and hotel, further enhances its appeal to diverse traveler profiles.

The resort caters to a broad spectrum of travelers,ranging from budget-conscious visitors to those who seek luxurious VIP experiences. A seven-day package tour, inclusive of flights, meals, and sightseeing, is projected to cost around $2,000 per person. The swimming season runs from June to September, promising visitors warm sunny days.

Positioned as a symbol of North Korea’s economic progress, Wonsan Kalma’s development underscores a tourism sector striving to operate independently of UN sanctions. By strategically attracting international tourists, the resort aims to bolster the country’s foreign currency reserves.

To achieve this goal, North Korea’s tourism agency released an advertisement in 2024 showcasing foreign tourists enjoying their time at the resort.Initially, the focus was on attracting visitors from South Korea and China. However, despite strong diplomatic ties with China and the reopening of borders post-pandemic, Chinese tourism to North Korea remains minimal.

As for South Korea,considerable political progress is deemed necessary before attracting significant numbers of tourists from the region.

With these hurdles in mind, North Korean authorities are now shifting their attention to Russian tourists. A limited day trip for Russian tourists to Wonsan Kalma has been recently implemented. Still, while this represents a step in the right direction, “Russian tourism revenue pales in comparison to the potential coming from Chinese or south Korean visitors,”

The success of Wonsan Kalma remains to be seen, but its ambitious vision and unique selling points could potentially reshape North Korea’s image on the global tourism stage.

Wonsan Kalma: North Korea’s Gamble on Tourism

Nestled between the serene waters of a bay and the majestic Kumgangsan Mountains, Wonsan Kalma stands as a beacon of North Korea’s ambition. projected as the “Benidorm of the East,” this ambitious resort complex presents a unique proposition for international travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Wonsan Kalma’s development has not been without its hurdles.The COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable delays, forcing North Korea to recalibrate its tourism strategy.”Initially, the focus was on attracting visitors from South Korea and China,” explains Dr. Kim, a leading expert on North Korean tourism.”Though, the pandemic’s impact has led to a shift towards targeting russian tourists.” While tentative steps have been taken to lure Russian visitors with day trips, the potential revenue from South Korean and Chinese travelers remains a significant draw for the North Korean government.

Beyond its scenic setting, Wonsan Kalma promises unique experiences. Dr.Kim highlights the resort’s proximity to a ballistic missile test site,an unusual and potentially controversial attraction for some visitors. Furthermore, the resort’s location near the Masikryong ski resort ensures a diverse range of activities throughout the year.

The resort’s success hinges on the possibility of improved inter-Korean relations. “Political progress between North and South Korea would be a game-changer for tourism,” Dr. kim asserts. “If borders open, South Koreans could become a major market for Wonsan kalma and other North Korean destinations.” For now, the resort stands as a symbol of North Korea’s aspirations for economic diversification and its continued pursuit of international engagement.

With a projected cost of around 2,000 USD for a seven-day stay, Wonsan Kalma is poised to cater to a range of international travelers seeking an adventurous and unusual vacation experience. Only time will tell if this ambitious venture will become the “Benidorm of the East” or face further challenges.

What does spy agencies need to understand to assess the potential impact of Wonsan Kalma on North Korea’s ability to finance its weapons programmes?

Archyde Exclusive: Dr. Mira Kim on North Korea’s Aspiring Wonsan Kalma Project

Archyde News, 2025-01-23

In an era when North Korea is quietly asserting itself on the world stage, its tourism industry is emerging as an intriguing avenue for international engagement. At the helm of this stride is the ambitious Wonsan Kalma coastal resort complex, dubbed the “Benidorm of the East.” To shed light on this remarkable progress, Archyde spoke exclusively with Dr. Mira Kim, an esteemed expert on north Korean affairs and tourism.

Archyde (A): Dr. Kim, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive straight into the Wonsan Kalma project. How would you describe it to our readers?

dr. Mira kim (MK): Thanks for having me. Wonsan Kalma is a coastal resort complex stretching along the beautiful Myongsasimni Beach in North Korea. With over 150 hotels, an array of restaurants and shops, a water park, a cinema, a stadium, and its own airport, it’s easy to see why it’s being compared to Spain’s Benidorm. Its strategic location, near the popular Masikryong ski resort and offering breathtaking views of the Kumgangsan Mountains, further enhances its appeal.

A: What’s the vision behind Wonsan Kalma? How does it fit into North Korea’s broader tourism strategy?

MK: North Korea wants to position Wonsan Kalma as a symbol of its economic progress and a key driver of its tourism industry. By strategically attracting international tourists, the resort aims to bolster the country’s foreign currency reserves and foster cultural exchange. Unlike other North Korean tourist destinations that primarily cater to domestic and Chinese visitors,Wonsan Kalma is designed to appeal to a global audience seeking luxury,entertainment,and unique experiences.

A: Speaking of unique experiences, one aspect that sets Wonsan Kalma apart is its proximity to a ballistic missile test site. how do you think tourists will react to this unusual feature?

MK: That’s indeed a unique selling point, albeit a contentious one. North Korea is betting on the allure of the unusual to draw in adventurous travelers. For some, witnessing a glimpse of North Korea’s military might firsthand might be an attraction. However,the success of this aspect depends heavily on the political climate and tourist appetite for such experiences. It’s a bold move, but whether it pays off remains to be seen.

A: The pandemic delayed Wonsan Kalma’s original completion date. How has North Korea adapted its marketing strategies since then?

MK: North Korea has been creative in its post-pandemic marketing efforts. They’ve capitalized on the pent-up demand for travel and adventure by releasing advertisements showcasing foreign tourists enjoying themselves at the resort. Initially, they wanted to attract visitors from South Korea and China, but they’ve since expanded their focus to the global tourism market, hoping to draw in the bold and curious.

A: Given the challenges facing international tourism in North Korea, including evolving political relations and travel restrictions, what factors do you think will ultimately determine Wonsan Kalma’s success?

MK: Wonsan Kalma’s success hinges on several factors. First, North Korea needs to maintain a stable political environment and foster positive international relations. secondly, it must adapt to evolving travel restrictions and safety measures. Lastly, it needs to continuously refine its marketing strategy to capture the imagination of international tourists and demonstrate that it offers a unique, safe, and rewarding experience. If north Korea can navigate these challenges, Wonsan Kalma could truly become a game-changer for North Korean tourism.

A: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insightful analysis. We appreciate your time and expertise.

MK: My pleasure.I look forward to seeing how Wonsan Kalma develops in the coming years.