Wonsan-Kalma beach resort

Is North Korea Open for Tourism in 2025? Everything You Need to Know About Its New Beach Resort

After years of near-total isolation, a pressing question is on the minds of many curious travelers and geopolitics watchers alike: Is North Korea open for tourism in 2025? The answer is… sort of.

As of July 2025, North Korea has partially reopened for tourism, unveiling the long-anticipated Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, a state-backed beach resort designed to project an image of openness and modernity. However, the country remains one of the most restricted travel destinations in the world—with rules that are anything but straightforward.

While the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort opened its doors to domestic tourists on July 1, access for foreign visitors remains extremely limited. A select group of Russian tourists is expected to visit later this month, but most Western travelers, including Americans and Europeans, are still barred under long-standing restrictions.

Still, this marks a turning point. After years of pandemic lockdowns and political isolation, North Korea tourism reopening—even partially—signals a possible new phase for the Hermit Kingdom’s tightly managed engagement with the outside world.

So, if you’re wondering whether tourism in North Korea is back, the answer is: it’s cautiously cracking the door open, starting with tightly controlled visits to one very high-profile coastal project.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore:

  • The exact status of North Korea tourism rules in 2025

  • Who can visit (and who still can’t)

  • What the Wonsan-Kalma resort offers

  • And why North Korea is suddenly interested in tourism again

North Korea Tourism Reopens: What’s Happening in 2025?

In 2025, we’re witnessing the most notable shift in North Korea’s tourism policy since the country shut its borders in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The surprise move? The grand opening of the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort, a multi-billion-dollar seaside project that’s part of North Korea’s strategic bid to revive its economy and cautiously reintroduce international tourism.

So yes, North Korea tourism reopens—but only partially, and on extremely controlled terms.

Who Can Visit?

As of July 2025, the country remains closed to most Western tourists. However, a small number of Russian tourists are being permitted into the Wonsan–Kalma resort on organized, government-approved tours. These initial visits are essentially pilot programs, testing the waters for a broader tourism reopening.

There’s no clear timeline for when Americans, Europeans, or other international travelers will be allowed in. The phrase “North Korea opening up for tourism” is accurate—but it’s more a whisper than a full-fledged announcement.

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Why Now?

North Korea’s decision to reopen comes at a time of economic strain, intensified by international sanctions and isolation. With trade channels limited, tourism is seen as a potential lifeline—particularly through visitors from Russia and China, countries that maintain diplomatic and economic ties with Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un himself hailed the new resort as one of the country’s “greatest feats of the year,” emphasizing the regime’s desire to reshape its image and court selective foreign investment.

A “Soft Launch” of Tourism

This reopening is best described as a soft launch of North Korea tourism in 2025—a step-by-step process that will likely remain limited, politically motivated, and tightly monitored.

Still, for travel industry analysts and political observers alike, this moment marks a meaningful shift. After years of being entirely cut off, North Korea is finally showing signs of tourism life, even if it’s only visible through the narrow lens of government-sanctioned beachside escapism.

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Inside the Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Resort: A New Era for Tourism in North Korea

If there’s a symbol of North Korea’s ambitious attempt to reshape its global image in 2025, it’s the Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone—a sprawling, state-funded beach resort now being promoted as a “world-class” destination. The project isn’t just about sun and sand; it’s Pyongyang’s boldest tourism statement yet.

What is the Wonsan–Kalma Resort?

Located along the eastern coast in Wonsan, Kangwon Province, this resort stretches across 4 kilometers of prime beachfront and is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors at any given time. It features:

  • Luxury hotels and guesthouses

  • A beachfront promenade

  • A modern water park

  • Sports facilities and entertainment zones

  • High-end restaurants, cafés, and spa facilities

The scale and quality of construction, by North Korean standards, are unprecedented. Government media has showcased drone footage and official tours that reveal sparkling glass buildings, manicured beaches, and entertainment venues designed to rival South Korea’s or China’s coastal destinations.

Years in the Making

This coastal zone has been in development since 2017, but its opening was delayed due to COVID-19 and a lack of foreign investment. After years of silence, the resort officially opened to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025.

The opening was highly choreographed, with state media flooding the airwaves with footage of North Korean families relaxing under beach umbrellas—images that sharply contrast with the country’s usual portrayal in global headlines.

A Controlled Environment

Let’s be clear: the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort is not your typical beach vacation. For the few foreign tourists who may be allowed to visit in the coming months (mainly from Russia), the experience will be strictly guided, monitored, and confined to resort boundaries. Every itinerary will be pre-approved, and every interaction likely surveilled.

That said, for those fascinated by tourism in North Korea, this resort could become one of the only viable options for experiencing the country without deep political entanglement or high-risk travel.

North Korea Tourism Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Even with the much-hyped Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort now open, tourism in North Korea remains far from normal. If you’re wondering what it takes to visit — or if you even can — it’s essential to understand the strict tourism rules still in place.

So, before you pack your bags, let’s break down the North Korea tourism rules in 2025.

Is North Korea Open for Tourism to Everyone?

No. As of July 2025, North Korea is open for tourism only in a very limited and highly controlled way. Here’s the current breakdown:

  • ✅ Domestic tourists: Allowed and actively encouraged to visit the Wonsan–Kalma resort.

  • ✅ Russian citizens: A small, government-approved tour group expected in July 2025.

  • ❌ Western tourists (USA, EU, UK, Australia): Still banned or strongly discouraged from entering.

  • ⚠️ Chinese tourists: Likely to be admitted later in 2025, but no official announcement yet.

In short, while North Korea tourism reopens, it does so only for select nationalities — and under tightly managed conditions.

Key Tourism Rules in North Korea

If you are among the very few who may qualify to visit, here are the must-follow tourism rules in North Korea:

1. Group Travel is Mandatory

You cannot travel independently. All visitors must join an official, government-approved tour company with fixed itineraries and state-assigned guides.

2. Photography is Strictly Controlled

You may only photograph approved sites. Military areas, construction zones, and even casual street scenes may be off-limits. Disobedience can lead to serious consequences.

3. Your Guide is Always With You

Tourists are never left alone. You’ll be escorted at all times, and interactions with locals outside the official program are generally not allowed.

4. Border Control and Confiscation

Customs officials may inspect your devices (phones, laptops, USBs) and confiscate materials they deem inappropriate — including religious texts, foreign media, or political literature.

5. No Political Speech

Criticizing the regime — even in casual conversation — is a punishable offense. Tourists are expected to remain respectful of all local customs and propaganda.

What About the New Resort?

Even at the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort, these rules still apply. While the setting is designed to feel modern and luxurious, visitors should not mistake the experience for a typical international holiday. The environment is closely monitored, and all movement is supervised.

Final Word: Play by the Rules or Don’t Go

Visiting North Korea is not for the faint-hearted or the rebellious traveler. While the tourism reopening in 2025 might seem inviting — especially with images of sunny beaches and ocean views — the country’s deeply entrenched system of control still shapes every visitor’s experience.

If you’re among those curious about whether North Korea is open for tourism, now you know: yes, but only if you’re willing to follow every rule to the letter.

When Did North Korea Open for Tourism Again?

If you’re asking “When did North Korea open for tourism again?”, you’re not alone. After nearly five years of complete border lockdown, the reemergence of North Korean tourism in July 2025 has stirred curiosity around the world.

The Long Closure: 2020–2024

North Korea completely shut its borders in January 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—becoming one of the first countries in the world to do so. Unlike most nations, however, North Korea remained fully sealed off for more than four years, citing public health concerns, sanctions pressure, and domestic security.

During this time:

  • No foreign tourists were allowed in.

  • Even diplomats and aid workers had limited presence.

  • Borders with China and Russia remained largely closed, with minimal exception for controlled freight.

Reopening in 2025: A Calculated Step

That changed in July 2025, when North Korea officially opened the Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone to domestic tourists on July 1. Shortly after, officials announced that select Russian tourists would be allowed into the resort in a trial-run visit later in the month.

So, to directly answer:
👉 North Korea reopened for tourism on July 1, 2025 — but only partially, and only for limited groups.

This soft reopening doesn’t mean casual or widespread international travel is now permitted. Instead, it’s a heavily curated effort designed to test the waters, attract regional allies, and showcase national prestige.

Is North Korea Fully Open for Tourism?

Not yet. While headlines may say “North Korea is open for tourism”, it’s critical to understand that only specific visitors are being allowed in, under highly restrictive and state-supervised conditions.

If you’re Googling:

  • When is North Korea open for tourism?

  • Is North Korea open for tourism now?

  • Can I go to the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort?

…the truthful answer is: Only if you’re Russian (for now), and even then, it must be through a government-approved group tour.

Western visitors—including those from the U.S., Canada, UK, and much of Europe—remain prohibited at this time.

YearStatus
2020Borders closed completely (Jan)
2021–2024Full tourism ban; no foreign tourists
July 1, 2025Resort opens for domestic tourism
Mid-July 2025 (expected)Limited Russian tourists permitted
TBDNo official timeline for Western tourist access

Can Foreigners Visit the New Resort? What We Know About International Tourism Access

With North Korea’s Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone officially open to domestic tourists, many are now asking: Can foreigners visit North Korea’s new beach resort?

The short answer: Only a very small number — and only under strict conditions.

Who Can Visit the Resort in 2025?

As of July 2025, most foreign nationals are still not allowed into North Korea. The country has not reopened its borders for general international tourism. However, there is one exception:

✅ Russian Tourists

North Korea has begun a pilot tourism program involving a select group of Russian tourists, set to arrive later in July 2025. These visitors will:

  • Enter under state-approved group travel packages

  • Be limited to specific zones (like the Wonsan–Kalma Resort)

  • Remain under close supervision by North Korean guides

This limited access appears to be part of a strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia, both of which are seeking closer ties amid international sanctions.

⚠️ Chinese Tourists (Likely Next)

China, North Korea’s largest trading partner, is expected to follow Russia in being granted access — though no official date has been announced.

❌ Western Tourists (Still Banned)

Travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and much of the European Union are still banned or discouraged from visiting North Korea. U.S. citizens, in particular, have been prohibited since 2017 after the tragic death of Otto Warmbier, and that ban remains in place.

Why Only Russians (for Now)?

Allowing Russian tourists serves multiple purposes:

  • Economic Boost: A fresh source of foreign currency for North Korea’s isolated economy

  • Political Symbolism: Deepening ties with Russia amid shared opposition to U.S.-led sanctions

  • Controlled Reopening: A manageable test case for how tourism can resume without jeopardizing internal security or the regime’s strict controls

What Would the Experience Be Like?

For those few foreigners who are permitted:

  • Travel will be fully organized and chaperoned

  • Itineraries will be limited to the resort grounds and a handful of state-approved attractions

  • Interaction with locals outside official activities will likely be minimal or not allowed

  • The experience will resemble a propaganda-curated vacation, not a spontaneous beach holiday

So, Can You Visit?

Visitor TypeCan Visit in 2025?Notes
North Korean citizens✅ YesResort open since July 1
Russian tourists✅ LimitedGroup travel only, mid-July onward
Chinese tourists🔜 LikelyExpected later in 2025
Western tourists❌ NoEntry still banned or restricted

Strategic Reasons Behind North Korea's Push for Tourism

North Korea’s decision to partially reopen tourism in 2025, after years of strict border closures and self-imposed isolation, isn’t just about showcasing a new beach resort — it’s part of a broader, calculated strategy.

So why now? Why is North Korea open for tourism again, even if only in limited fashion?

Here are the key motivations behind this surprising shift.

Economic Necessity in a Sanctioned State

North Korea’s economy is in deep distress. Years of international sanctions, especially those targeting nuclear weapons development and arms sales, have severely restricted trade, aid, and investment. Add the country’s COVID-era border closures, and Pyongyang has had little access to foreign currency or global markets.

Tourism is one of the few legal sources of hard cash available to the regime — especially from nearby allies like Russia and China. Even limited tourism from these nations provides:

  • Foreign currency earnings (USD, rubles, yuan)

  • A lifeline for state-owned hospitality and infrastructure sectors

  • A showcase project to attract future investment

Political Messaging: “We’re Still Here”

By launching a highly publicized beach resort — complete with media coverage, drone footage, and smiling locals — North Korea is sending a clear political signal:

“We are modern, stable, and open — but on our own terms.”

The Wonsan–Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is more than a vacation spot; it’s a stage set for international observers. The move serves to:

  • Reinforce internal legitimacy for Kim Jong Un, projecting strength and vision

  • Undermine narratives of decline or desperation

  • Show potential allies that North Korea can develop like any other nation — if left alone

Strengthening Ties with Russia & China

The first foreign tourists expected in 2025 are from Russia — and that’s no coincidence. As global geopolitics shift, North Korea is aligning more closely with Moscow and Beijing, both of which:

  • Oppose Western sanctions and influence

  • Are willing to engage economically and politically with Pyongyang

  • Offer travel demand that doesn’t threaten regime control

Tourism becomes a diplomatic tool, opening borders to friends while keeping adversaries out.

Testing Controlled Reopening — On Their Terms

Opening tourism via a single, tightly-managed resort is a way to test:

  • How the country can manage foreign arrivals without losing control

  • How international press and partners respond

  • Whether foreign tourists can be a viable long-term revenue stream

By reopening selectively and slowly, North Korea can minimize risk while maximizing publicity.

Summary: Tourism as Soft Power & Survival Strategy

MotivationExplanation
EconomicDesperate need for foreign currency amid sanctions
PoliticalShowcasing stability and modernity to the world
DiplomaticBuilding ties with Russia/China through tourism
Controlled ExposureExperimenting with safe, government-monitored tourism zones

Final Thoughts: Is North Korea Really Opening Up to the World?

So, after everything we’ve explored — from the flashy opening of the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort to the cautious admission of a few Russian tourists — the question remains:
Is North Korea really opening up for tourism in 2025?

The honest answer: Not quite — but it’s testing the waters.

North Korea Is Open for Tourism… But Only a Little

While headlines may suggest that North Korea is open for tourism, the reality is far more nuanced. The government has allowed domestic tourists and a handful of foreign guests (mainly Russian citizens) to visit one specific area under heavy surveillance. This isn’t a full border reopening — it’s a controlled pilot project wrapped in national pride and political posturing.

For most of the world — especially Western travelers — the tourism rules in North Korea remain as strict as ever. No independent travel. No spontaneous visits. No free exploration. Just state-controlled group tours, and only for those few countries North Korea currently trusts.

What This Means for Curious Travelers

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Wonsan–Kalma Beach Resort or exploring tourism in North Korea, your opportunity may come in the future, but not quite yet. As of mid-2025:

  • The country is not open to general tourism

  • Westerners remain banned

  • Only Russian tourists have been officially greenlit

  • All travel is organized and heavily monitored

A Shift in Strategy, Not a Revolution

This North Korea tourism reopening is significant, but it’s not revolutionary. It’s a calculated, image-conscious strategy to:

  • Showcase progress

  • Generate foreign currency

  • Deepen alliances with key players like Russia and China

Whether this leads to a broader tourism revival — perhaps involving Chinese tourists, and eventually others — depends on many variables, including global politics, North Korea’s internal stability, and international sanctions.

Sources: NPR – July 5, 2025, NYT – July 3, 2025, AP News – July 2, 2025