North Korea's Hidden Beach Resort Welcomes Record Russian Visitors
Despite its reputation as one of the world's most secretive nations, North Korea has managed to attract significant tourism to its newly opened beach resort, Wonsan Kalma. The seaside retreat, which opened in June on the country's east coast near an airport in the Kangwon Region, represents a surprising development in the isolated nation's approach to international visitors.
A Resort Modeled on European Beach Destinations
Reportedly modeled on the popular Spanish resort town of Benidorm, Wonsan Kalma boasts an impressive capacity for up to 20,000 visitors. The complex features over 40 hotels, guesthouses, and leisure facilities stretching along 2.5 miles of white-sand coastline. North Korean state media has enthusiastically described the development as a 'national treasure-level city' originally planned to boost the country's tourism industry.
Since its opening, however, the resort has implemented strict entry restrictions. All tourists except those from Russia have been banned from visiting, creating an unusual tourism dynamic between the two nations.
Record Russian Tourism Numbers
New data reveals that 9,985 Russian tourists visited North Korea in 2025—the highest number since the Federal Security Service (FSB) began publishing such statistics in 2010. This represents a steady increase from the 6,469 Russian visitors recorded in 2024. According to The Times, more than half of these trips (5,075) were specifically for tourism purposes.
The resort's popularity among Russians appears to be growing despite North Korea's broader tourism restrictions. The country's official tourism website, DPR Korea Tour, announced last year that foreign visitors are 'temporarily not accepted' at the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area without providing specific reasons for the restriction.
First-Hand Accounts from Russian Visitors
Russian blogger Daria Zubkova provided detailed insights after visiting the resort following a journey from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok and then to Pyongyang. After spending three days in North Korea's capital, she stayed at the Wonsan Kalma resort.
'This is a new resort that is being widely advertised everywhere,' Daria explained, noting the extensive promotion within certain circles.
The blogger addressed common concerns about surveillance, stating she 'wasn't afraid' of potential wiretapping 'because we have nothing to say that would make someone scold us for it.' She described constant companionship during her visit, with guides accompanying her even on beach walks.
'The fact that you are accompanied everywhere, yes, that happens,' Daria confirmed. 'Even on the beach, there was someone walking with us, but it didn't look like some kind of convoy, it looked more like sweet concern.'
Despite this constant supervision, Daria managed some moments of independence during late-night walks along the beach at 2am without encountering problems.
Culinary Experiences and Infrastructure
The resort's dining options impressed the Russian visitor, with restaurants serving diverse dishes including duck, rabbit, and various fish types. 'They really adapted to all our interests,' she shared, noting the culinary efforts to please international guests.
Daria also praised the resort's infrastructure, describing 'very cool' facilities with four kilometers of developed coastline, new buildings, good interior decoration, and fountains within the hotels.
Additional Russian Perspectives
Another Russian tourist, Anastasiya Samsonova, returned from a week's holiday in North Korea last year with positive impressions despite the sparse crowds. 'We saw nothing terrible there, there is no danger there,' she told Sky News. 'Frankly speaking, we really liked it.'
Samsonova praised the new hotel with beautiful interiors and developed infrastructure, explaining her motivation for choosing the unusual destination: 'We were interested in seeing how people live there.' She noted that despite many prejudices about behavioral restrictions, 'we felt absolutely free.'
Broader Tourism Context and Restrictions
North Korea's tourism landscape remains complex and heavily restricted. The country opened its borders after pandemic restrictions but quickly closed them again to most nations with minimal explanation. Russia remains the only country whose citizens have been permitted entry since North Korea relaxed its pandemic-era border controls.
Other tourists have reported varied experiences in the mysterious nation. Spanish traveler Caminante Rojo visited when borders briefly relaxed last year, noting Dubai-like streets in some areas but shockingly high prices for imported beers—up to $79 for a single bottle, which he attributed to sanctions and the country's isolated status.
A Latvian tourist visiting on behalf of American travel YouTuber Drew Binsky revealed the strict limitations placed on visitors, including prohibitions against leaving hotels or deviating from government-approved itineraries. However, she discovered a loophole through participation in the Pyongyang Marathon, which allowed unsupervised morning runs through the capital's empty streets.
Long-Term Visitor Perspectives
British tourist Zoe Stephens, who has visited North Korea approximately 30 times and worked as a tour guide for visitors from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia, insists the country is 'normal.' She shares social media vlogs exploring Pyongyang, though many viewers have accused her of spreading propaganda about the secretive state.
The Wonsan Kalma resort represents North Korea's ongoing efforts to develop tourism infrastructure while maintaining tight control over international visitors. With record Russian attendance and positive reports from those allowed entry, the resort demonstrates the complex intersection of geopolitics, tourism economics, and international relations in one of the world's most isolated nations.
