Wonsan City

Kangwon Province, North Korea

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Wonsan City, nestled along the eastern coast of North Korea in Kangwon Province, is a port town with a curious blend of strategic importance, scenic beauty, and ambitious tourism dreams. Historically a naval base and commercial hub, Wonsan has long served as a gateway to the Sea of Japan and remains one of the country’s most prominent coastal cities.

Its natural harbor, framed by islands and promontories, makes it an ideal location for maritime activity, and its proximity to Mount Kumgang adds to its geographic allure.

In recent years, Wonsan has taken center stage in North Korea’s push to develop tourism, most notably with the unveiling of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. This sprawling resort complex, stretching across a 2.5-mile beachfront, boasts over 400 buildings including high-rise hotels, seaside villas, water parks, theaters, and fitness centers.

Dubbed “North Korea’s Waikiki” by South Korean media, the resort was personally championed by Kim Jong Un, who spent part of his youth in Wonsan and envisions it as a model for the country’s tourism future. The site was inspired in part by a fact-finding mission to Spain’s Benidorm resort, and its design reflects a mix of socialist grandeur and international flair.

Despite its scale and ambition, access to the resort remains tightly controlled. Domestic tourists have begun visiting in large numbers, with state media showcasing scenes of North Koreans enjoying the beach and aquatic attractions. Foreign tourism, however, is limited. Russian visitors have recently been welcomed as part of growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, but Western tourists are still largely excluded.

The resort’s development has also drawn criticism over alleged labor abuses during construction, and its long-term viability remains uncertain given North Korea’s closed borders and international sanctions.