Thu Jun 26 05:17:53 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

North Korea has completed the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone, a project spearheaded by Kim Jong Un to boost tourism. The zone, capable of accommodating 20,000 visitors, was inaugurated with Kim Jong Un in attendance, who expressed plans for further large-scale tourist zones. While tourism provides a source of income not directly sanctioned, the project lacked a major foreign partner due to existing sanctions. The zone opens for domestic tourists on July 1st. North Korea, having slowly eased pandemic restrictions, has been strengthening ties with Russia, particularly in tourism, including resuming direct train service between their capitals. Russian officials were special guests at the inauguration.

**News Article:**

**North Korea Unveils Massive Coastal Tourist Zone Amid Strengthening Ties with Russia**

**SEOUL -** North Korean leader Kim Jong Un celebrated the completion of the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone on June 24, 2025, state media announced on June 26, 2025. The large-scale project, envisioned by Kim Jong Un as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism strategy, is designed to accommodate approximately 20,000 visitors.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction with the development and outlined plans for the construction of additional tourist zones across the nation.

While tourism remains a viable source of revenue for North Korea amid international sanctions related to its weapons programs, the Wonsan Kalma project reportedly lacked significant foreign investment. The zone is scheduled to open to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025, with no immediate mention of welcoming international visitors.

North Korea has been gradually easing COVID-19 restrictions imposed since 2020, with increased collaboration with Russia. Russian tourism has resumed, and plans are in place to reinstate direct passenger train service between Moscow and Pyongyang, a service suspended since 2020.

Notably, Russian Ambassador to North Korea and embassy staff were present as special guests at the inaugural ceremony, signaling a growing bond between the two nations. This partnership has deepened as North Korea has provided support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, deploying troops and supplying essential military resources.

“Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the wave of the happiness to be raised in the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area would enhance its attractive name as a world-level tourist cultural resort,” KCNA reported.

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