Kim Jong-Un Unveils Luxury Beach Resort for Russians—Right Next to a Missile Test Site

North Korea has officially unveiled the Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort, a large-scale tourism project on the country’s east coast, which is expected to attract Russian travelers as Pyongyang deepens cooperation with Moscow.

According to state media KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attended the opening ceremony on June 24 alongside his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Kim Ju-Ae. Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora was present as a guest of honor.

The ceremony marked the formal completion of the resort, which is scheduled to begin receiving domestic visitors on July 1.

The location of the resort—near missile test site—has also drawn attention. Although no new tests have been reported from the site recently, its proximity has prompted speculation about dual-use infrastructure and symbolic messaging.

The resort—first announced in 2014 and originally intended for completion in 2019—was delayed due to international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction resumed in 2024, and the final result includes a 2.5-mile stretch of developed coastline featuring hotels, villas, shopping centers, an indoor waterpark, sports facilities, and cultural venues.

The complex is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 people and includes both economy and VIP lodging options.

Though access will initially be limited to domestic tourists, South Korea’s Unification Ministry stated on June 26 that the facility is likely aimed at Russian travelers.

The appearance of the Russian ambassador at the opening, along with renewed air and rail links between Pyongyang and Moscow, supports that expectation. Group tours from China remain suspended.

“The presence of Russian diplomats and the timing of the resort’s launch point to plans to expand access to Russian citizens,” an unnamed South Korean official noted. “Tourism remains a permitted channel for foreign currency under sanctions, provided there are no bulk cash transfers or joint ventures.”

Observers suggest that recent economic assistance from Russia may have supported the completion of the Wonsan-Kalma project. The North has increasingly promoted tourism as a means to generate foreign revenue, and the new resort may serve as a model for future developments.

While Wonsan has been described by some media as the “North Korean Benidorm,” the actual capacity for foreign tourism remains limited. According to Seoul officials, current infrastructure only allows for about 170 travelers per day via flights from Vladivostok.

Despite being portrayed as a world-class destination, access to the resort for ordinary North Koreans is expected to remain limited.

Earlier, South Korea’s intelligence agency reported that North Korea may send additional troops to Russia as early as July or August to support its war against Ukraine, while continuing arms shipments in exchange for missile and satellite technology.

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