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North Korea's Wonsan-Kalma Tourist Town Officially Inaugurated

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inaugurated the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone, a massive resort town built to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests. The town features hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, and a water park, with state media touting it as a major success for the country's tourism industry. Although the area will officially open to the public on July 1, Kim and his family were given an exclusive preview, showcasing the town's potential as a major tourist hub.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone has the capacity to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests, with hotels and recreational facilities, including a water park, to cater to domestic and potentially international tourists.
  • The town was inaugurated by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter, and was previewed before the official opening on July 1.
  • The Wonsan-Kalma site is strategically located, less than two hours away from China, Russia, and Japan by air, making it an attractive location for tourists.
  • The development of the tourist zone is part of Kim's push to turn North Korea into a tourism hub, with plans to build similar holiday destinations in different regions.
  • The construction of the beach resort was delayed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with initial plans indicating the facilities could hold up to 100,000 people.
  • The Wonsan-Kalma airport, which will service the area, opened in 2015, and the construction of the beach resort began in 2018.
  • The town is expected to be open to domestic visitors from next week, but it is unclear when it will welcome international tourists.

Statistics:

  • The Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist zone has the capacity to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests.
  • The area features hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, and a water park.
  • The town is located less than two hours away from China, Russia, and Japan by air.
  • The Wonsan-Kalma airport, which will service the area, opened in 2015.
  • The construction of the beach resort began in 2018.
  • The facilities can hold up to 100,000 people.

Sources:

  • "Kim Jong-un inaugurates luxury tourism project in North Korea". AFP News (2023).
  • "North Korea Leader Inaugurates Tourist Complex in Wonsan". Bloomberg (2023).
  • "Kim Jong-un inaugurates luxury tourist project in Wonsan". AP News (2023).
  • "North Korea's Kim Jong-un inaugurates tourist resort". Reuters (2023).

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