≡-Russian Tourists Set to Become First Foreign Guests at North Korea’s New Kalma Resort as July Travel Packages Launch Amid Strengthening Ties – Viral of Today

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Home » ASIA » Russian Tourists Set to Become First Foreign Guests at North Korea’s New Kalma Resort as July Travel Packages Launch Amid Strengthening Ties Saturday, June 28, 2025Russian tourists are poised to become the first international visitors to experience North Korea’s newly unveiled Kalma Resort, as exclusive travel packages launch in July following a significant boost in diplomatic ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. This strategic tourism initiative not only marks North Korea’s cautious return to welcoming foreign guests post-pandemic, but also highlights its deepening relationship with Russia—reflected in the presence of Russian diplomats at the resort’s grand opening and the tailored packages now promoted by a Vladivostok-based agency.North Korea Eyes Tourism Revival with Kalma Coastal Resort as It Prepares to Welcome Russian VisitorsNorth Korea has taken a bold step to revitalize its tourism sector with the official launch of its new coastal destination — the expansive Kalma Resort. Designed to accommodate up to 20,000 guests, this mega-project situated along the eastern shoreline near Wonsan reflects Pyongyang’s renewed focus on tourism development. While currently open only to domestic travelers, the resort may soon start receiving international guests, beginning with tourists from Russia as early as July.Kim Jong-un Unveils Kalma as a National Tourism JewelOn June 24, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over the grand opening of the Kalma coastal resort in Wonsan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure ambitions. The state-run media labeled the resort a “national tourist treasure,” showcasing its importance in the government’s strategic plans. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Russian ambassador and other diplomats, underlining the growing diplomatic warmth between Pyongyang and Moscow.With the presence of high-ranking Russian officials at the event, the opening has triggered speculation about future international access to the resort — particularly for Russian nationals, whose travel to North Korea has slowly resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic.Russian Tour Packages to Wonsan Kalma Now on OfferVostok Intur, a Russian travel agency based in Vladivostok, has already begun marketing exclusive travel packages to Wonsan Kalma for July and August. The agency offers three tailored tour options, each priced at approximately $1,840 per person. These packages include air travel from Pyongyang to Wonsan, four nights at the Kalma resort, and excursions to the Masikryong ski area — one of North Korea’s earliest ventures into international tourism.The first tour is scheduled to depart on July 7, spanning eight days. Tourists will experience a combination of coastal relaxation and alpine exploration, suggesting that North Korea is looking to position itself as a year-round travel destination.Revisiting Masikryong and North Korea’s Tourism LegacyThe Masikryong ski resort, which opened its doors to international visitors in 2013, was among North Korea’s earliest attempts to attract foreign tourists. In fact, a small number of Russians did travel there last year for ski holidays. While such visits were minimal, they laid the groundwork for future niche tourism markets North Korea hopes to capture.Now, with Kalma Resort entering the picture, the regime is renewing its efforts to build a more sophisticated and sustainable tourism economy. Yet the key question remains: will international visitors truly flock to a nation long isolated and frequently subject to international sanctions?Luxury Amid Austerity — Kalma’s Features and Strategic LocationThe Kalma Resort is being presented as one of the most lavish undertakings in North Korea’s tourism portfolio. Built to accommodate 20,000 guests, the resort boasts a high-rise hotel, an expansive water park, and a range of upscale amenities rarely seen within the country. Its proximity to Wonsan International Airport makes it a convenient destination for visitors flying in, while the nearby Kalma railway station, inaugurated to enhance accessibility, rounds out the travel infrastructure.From a logistical standpoint, Kalma is arguably one of North Korea’s most accessible and strategically located tourism developments, linking air, rail, and sea transport into one cohesive travel circuit.Lessons from Mount Kumgang and the Hopes for a Second ChanceNorth Korea has previously attempted to attract international tourists through the Mount Kumgang region in the late 1990s. That initiative, which focused on South Korean travelers, was initially a resounding success. Over a span of ten years, more than 1.9 million South Koreans visited the area, pumping much-needed foreign currency into North Korea’s struggling economy.However, the entire project came to a tragic halt in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was fatally shot by a North Korean soldier for entering a restricted military zone. Since then, Pyongyang has struggled to rebuild trust and momentum in its tourism initiatives. In 2022, remaining tourist infrastructure at Mount Kumgang — including the Onjonggak Guesthouse, which once hosted reunions for divided families — was demolished, symbolizing the official end of that chapter.The Kalma Resort appears to be North Korea’s answer to that failed legacy. This time, the target is not just South Koreans but a broader international audience, starting with Russians — one of the few nationalities currently allowed to enter North Korea without major diplomatic friction.A Dream Long in the MakingThe concept for the Kalma Resort dates back to 2013, when Kim Jong-un unveiled his vision of turning Wonsan into a thriving economic and entertainment hub. Despite multiple delays and setbacks — many believed to be caused by sanctions, logistical difficulties, and shifting internal priorities — the project has finally materialized.The timing of the resort’s launch signals more than just domestic development; it represents North Korea’s broader push to re-engage with the world on its own terms. With continued diplomatic outreach to Russia and modest efforts to attract niche international tourists, Pyongyang is hoping the Kalma project will succeed where earlier attempts have failed.Economic Implications and Uncertain FutureDespite the glitz of Kalma’s opening, questions linger about the economic viability of such a large-scale resort in a nation with limited access to global travel markets. International sanctions, a history of restricted borders, and limited tourism infrastructure could hamper the growth potential of such initiatives.However, North Korea appears undeterred. By initiating controlled tourism with Russian visitors, Pyongyang may be testing the waters for broader international outreach in the future. If the Kalma experiment proves successful — logistically and diplomatically — it could serve as a template for expanding tourism further.Russian tourists will become the first international guests at North Korea’s newly opened Kalma Resort this July, as travel packages launch amid deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.ConclusionNorth Korea’s launch of the Kalma Resort signals a calculated effort to open its doors, albeit cautiously, to the outside world. Beginning with Russian tourists, the regime is trying to rebrand itself as a country open to carefully managed tourism, balancing luxury offerings with strict control. Whether the world is ready to respond to North Korea’s call for visitors remains to be seen, but with Kalma now operational, a new chapter in the country’s tourism story has undoubtedly begun.«Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us»Tags: East Asia tourism, Kalma Resort, luxury resorts, Masikryong Ski Resort, moscow, North Korea Tourism, post-pandemic tourism, pyongyang, Russia ties, russian tourists, travel destinations, Travel News, travel packages, Wonsan travel

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