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North Korea celebrates a "higher stage of civilization"

Tourist Hub in Kim's Jurisdiction Gets Unveiled

North Koreans celebrate a "higher degree of civilization"
North Koreans celebrate a "higher degree of civilization"

North Korea celebrates a "higher stage of civilization"

North Korea's Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone, located on the country's east coast, has been unveiled as the largest and most ambitious tourism project to date. This resort, which has been a pet project of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, features hotels, a waterpark, restaurants, playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities, and can accommodate nearly 20,000 visitors[1][2][3].

The official opening ceremony, attended by Russia’s ambassador and embassy staff in Pyongyang, signalled deepening ties between North Korea and Russia. Since February 2024, North Korea has begun accepting Russian tourists, reflecting warming bilateral relations. This follows increased cooperation including Russia’s supply of military support to North Korea amid their economic and political isolation. The two countries also reinstated a direct passenger train service between Moscow and Pyongyang in 2025 and agreed to enhance tourism cooperation[2][3].

Kim Jong Un toured the completed site with his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae, marking the opening as "one of the greatest successes this year" and a "proud first step" towards developing tourism as a pillar of the country's economy. State media indicated plans to develop further large tourist sites elsewhere in North Korea[2].

The tourist area, which was opened to domestic visitors on July 1, 2025, has already attracted people of all ages from across North Korea, with many expressing joy at experiencing a new level of civilization[1][2]. However, the ban on foreign tourists imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic is still largely in effect, with domestic tourists being the first to access Wonsan Kalma. A group of Russian tourists is scheduled to visit the tourist area on July 7, marking the first foreign guests[1].

Kim Jong Un is pushing to revive North Korea’s struggling economy through tourism, as tourism is one of the few sectors not fully targeted by UN sanctions[1][2]. The new resort at Wonsan Kalma is a significant step in this direction, and the country has plans to develop more tourist sites nationwide.

In conclusion, Wonsan Kalma represents a significant step by North Korea to boost its tourism sector and economy, with Russia emerging as a key partner in this endeavour amid ongoing international isolation[1][2][3].

### Summary of key points:

* Location: Wonsan Kalma coastal area, east coast of North Korea * Size & Capacity: Can accommodate approximately 20,000 visitors * Features: Hotels, waterpark, restaurants, playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities * Opening: June 2025, domestic tourists allowed from July 1, 2025 * Leadership Involvement: Opened by Kim Jong Un with wife and daughter * Economic Goal: Tourism development to rejuvenate economy, with plans for more tourist sites nationwide * Foreign Tourist Policy: Ban on foreign tourists since 2020 still largely in effect; Russian tourists allowed since Feb 2024 * Russia Relationship: Russian diplomats at opening; resumed train service Moscow-Pyongyang; tourism cooperation agreed

  1. The community policy in North Korea has been demonstrated through the opening of the Wonsan Kalma tourist zone, a significant step in the country's employment policy, aimed at reviving the economy by developing tourism as a key sector.
  2. The general-news about the tourism industry and economic development in North Korea has been highlighted by the lifestyle offered at the Wonsan Kalma resort, which includes travel opportunities for Russian tourists, contributing to the country's employment policy and foreign relations, particularly with Russia.

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