North Korea has recently suspended the entry of foreign tourists into its highly anticipated Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, a significant flagship project situated on the east coast. This announcement, made by the Chinese National Tourism Administration on Friday, July 18, 2025, came just days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to the complex.

While the resort, opened to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025, is currently not accommodating international visitors, North Korea has not provided a clear explanation for this suspension, which was already in effect when some guests were present earlier in the month.

The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area is one of leader Kim Jong Un’s key personal projects, envisioned as a central hub for tourism and foreign investment. Located on the Kalma Peninsula in Kangwon province, the sprawling complex spans 2.5 miles (4 km) of pristine, undeveloped beach. Reports suggest Kim Jong Un has personally overseen its development, reflecting his deep involvement. The resort boasts extensive facilities, including approximately 7,000 room options ranging from luxurious hotels to private villas, an outdoor waterpark, a concert hall, a department store, and an airport designed for international flights.

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Construction, which began in 2014, has faced multiple delays due to international sanctions imposed on North Korea and, more recently, the global pandemic, which halted travel and construction efforts. Despite these setbacks, the domestic opening was met with excitement, though its appeal to international tourists remains challenging due to North Korea’s long-standing tight border restrictions.

State media in North Korea has presented the Wonsan Kalma resort as a symbol of national pride, and Kim’s direct involvement underscores his ambition to transform the country’s economy by attracting more foreign capital, particularly through tourism. However, only a limited number of tourists have been able to visit the site because of the strict controls on entry into the country.

A notable diplomatic event associated with the resort was the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in early July. This visit coincided with Kim Jong Un’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russia amid increasing international isolation. Lavrov’s presence signaled Russia’s growing interest in closer bilateral North Korea’s tourism industry, a channel some Russian officials view as a means to foster relations. During his visit, Lavrov joined Kim Jong Un on the leader’s personal yacht and expressed Russia’s desire to increase the number of Russian tourists visiting North Korea.

This push is part of Russia’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with North Korea, leveraging tourism as a tool for diplomatic and economic recovery, similar to its approach with other sanctioned nations. While small groups of Russian tourists have previously been permitted to visit, Lavrov’s remarks suggest a potential for larger groups in the future.

The reasons behind the recent suspension of foreign access remain ambiguous. Some theories point to incomplete infrastructure within the resort, citing satellite images showing unfinished hotels near the Kalmaegi Hotel, inactive areas, and even an empty roof pool. It is plausible that North Korea intends to showcase the investment only when it is fully completed and capable of hosting a larger influx of foreign visitors. The lingering effects of the pandemic and uncertainties regarding global travel readiness could also be contributing factors, leading resorts to anticipate fewer international tourists than before.

Furthermore, a report by a Russian journalist, who traveled with Lavrov and implied that North Koreans at the zone appeared to be mobilized rather than genuine tourists, might have prompted North Korea to fear negative repercussions if the site were opened to foreigners. Analyst Lee Sangkeun of Seoul’s Institute for National Security Strategy also suggested that difficulties in attracting Russian tourists due to the distance and cost might play a role.

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of North Korea’s economy, especially as the country seeks avenues to generate revenue while under stringent international sanctions. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Resort is part of a broader strategy, alongside other destinations like the Masikryong Ski Resort and the Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center, to boost the country’s tourism sector.

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While these resorts have historically attracted relatively few visitors, and North Korea’s tight controls often confine outsiders to specific hotels, the government views tourism as a significant vehicle for attracting foreign currency and diversifying its economy. Experts emphasize that the enormous construction and operational costs of the Wonsan Kalma zone necessitate its opening to foreign tourists, particularly from Russia and China, to ensure its financial viability and prevent its shutdown.

For now, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area remains inaccessible to foreigners, with no clear timeline for reopening. The future success of this resort, and indeed North Korean tourism as a whole, will depend on the country’s ability to address operational challenges and effectively market itself as an international destination.

Despite the current obstacles, the Wonsan Kalma resort is integral to Kim Jong Un’s long-term economic vision for North Korea. It is widely anticipated that the region will eventually open more broadly to foreign tourists once it reaches full completion. While currently a testament to North Korea’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth, its ability to function as the high-end travel destination it aspires to be will largely hinge on its capacity to attract a global audience and secure vital foreign currency.