Experience the Unconventional: A Glimpse into North Korea’s Exclusive Wonsan Kalma Resort

Anastasia Samsonova recounts her tightly controlled trip to Wonsan Kalma, North Korea's new resort, highlighting its sanitized beaches and the strict limitations imposed on tourists. While the experience felt isolated, it showcased the complexities of tourism in a country defined by its regulations and unique offerings.

 

Amid strict regulations and guarded escorts, North Korea's newly opened Wonsan Kalma resort makes an unconventional beach holiday more accessible but remains shrouded in secrecy. In July, 33-year-old human resources worker Anastasia Samsonova found herself among the first tourists to visit this exclusive coastal zone on the country's eastern shore, their itinerary thoroughly structured and monitored. Despite being positioned mere miles from a missile testing site, the resort features luxurious amenities such as hotels, shopping malls, and water parks, all designed to entice internal and international tourism.

Accompanied by a group of fellow travelers, Anastasia's experience emphasized the limitations imposed on their movements; guides were there to prevent the awkwardness of interaction with the local population, reflecting how isolated North Korea remains from the outside world. Anastasia noted that locals appeared shocked at the presence of foreign visitors, a clear sign of the nation’s enduring seclusion.

Although visitors had to abide by rules—no revealing clothing and restrictions on photography—Anastasia reveled in the serene environment, praising the immaculate beaches that beckoned with stark white sands. Reports suggest that the beaches were almost always devoid of crowds, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. Tourists have been warned against taking photos of construction sites, which hints at the ongoing development challenges faced by this new tourist hotspot.

With a cost of around $1,800 for a week-long trip from Russia, many travelers are drawn to this exotic locale with dreams of adventure. An interesting aspect of their stay included the proximity to a missile testing site, which some advertisements highlighted as a “unique experience.” Toy rockets were even sold nearby, offering a curious souvenir but also a reminder of North Korea’s military posture.

However, even as travel opportunities have become available, the access remains challenging. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea reintroduced Russian tourism but has been slow to expand to other nationalities, with plans for broader tourism yet uncertain. This delay showcases the strict control North Korean authorities maintain over foreign visitors, driven by fears of comparisons between their lives and those of wealthier foreigners.

While the resort’s grand opening has been met with international intrigue, it has also drawn concern over workers' rights, with reports of mistreatment during the resort’s construction. Anastasia hopes to return next year with her group, proving that even under stringent conditions, the allure of North Korea’s rare travel experiences piqued genuine interest among adventurers willing to navigate the complexities of visiting the country.