In a bold move that could reshape North Korea’s global image, the country is preparing to welcome international tourists to its ambitious Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. This sprawling mega-beach resort, dubbed the ‘North Korean Benidorm’, is designed to attract sun-seekers with its luxurious offerings and capacity to host a staggering 100,000 visitors at once.
The resort, located on what was once a missile testing site, draws direct comparisons to Spain’s Costa Blanca, particularly its famed resort town of Benidorm. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly sent a fact-finding mission to Spain’s Costa Blanca in 2017 to understand the key elements of successful Mediterranean coastal tourism. Wonsan-Kalma, North Korea’s largest and most ambitious tourism project to date, is intended to put the country on the map as a serious contender in the global tourism market.
Initially planned for completion in 2019, construction of the resort was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as Wonsan nears completion, Kim Jong-un’s vision of creating a world-class beachside attraction is ready to be realized.
The resort promises a luxurious coastal experience with crystal-clear waters, wide sandy beaches, and modern amenities such as hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, marinas, and recreational activities. It’s a bold move by North Korea, a country historically known for its closed-off nature and limited interaction with international tourists.
The timing of Wonsan’s opening is significant. Spain, a global leader in beach tourism, has been grappling with the issue of overtourism in popular destinations like the Balearic Islands. This has led to rising concerns about overcrowding, environmental strain, and increasing costs. Tourists seeking an alternative to the crowded Mediterranean coastlines might find Wonsan’s unique appeal enticing.
However, North Korea’s political environment and its lack of a track record in tourism may deter some potential visitors, particularly those from Western countries. Concerns about safety and the quality of tourist offerings will need to be addressed.
Despite these challenges, North Korea’s appeal lies in its uniqueness. The novelty of vacationing in a country as enigmatic as North Korea, coupled with the promise of luxury, adventure, and exclusivity, could attract a niche market of travelers seeking a different kind of vacation experience.
As Wonsan Resort prepares to welcome its first tourists, the global travel industry will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project performs. With its capacity to rival the tourist influx typically seen in Spanish beach hotspots, Wonsan has the potential to signal the beginning of a new era for North Korea’s tourism industry.
Whether Wonsan can truly rival the Mediterranean will depend on North Korea’s ability to maintain safety, offer high-quality experiences, and market itself effectively to international travelers. Only time will tell if the country can successfully tap into the global tourism market and attract visitors to its unique shores.
