Kim Jong Un Inaugurates New 'Tourist Attraction' In North Korea Opens To Boost Domestic Travel

North Korea has unveiled a new tourist attraction in the coastal city of Wonsan as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance tourism. According to state media, the newly developed Wonsan Coastal Tourist Zone was formally inaugurated by Kim Jong Un on Wednesday.

The North Korean leader, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, expressed "great satisfaction" as he inaugurated the site.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the tourist zone includes a beach resort capable of accommodating up to 20,000 visitors.

It features "sea-bathing service facilities, various sports and recreation facilities, and commercial and public catering establishments," KCNA said.

Wonsan has long been a popular holiday destination among North Korean citizens. Kim Jong Un has, for several years, pursued a vision of transforming the area into a major tourism hub.

According to state media, the new tourist site will be open to domestic visitors from 1 July.

Are Tourists Allowed in North Korea?

North Korea completely closed its borders in 2020 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the shutdown, the country had experienced a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals - growing from 100,000 in 2014 to 350,000 in 2019.

Since 2023, the country has gradually begun lifting travel restrictions, though access remains highly selective.

Foreign visitors have been permitted, but only after undergoing strict vetting and receiving authorisation from the DPRK government.

In particular, North Korea has granted entry to select Russian tourist groups, reflecting the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The country's renewed emphasis on tourism comes against the backdrop of mounting sanctions imposed by Western nations and the United Nations.

Tourism has remained a crucial source of foreign income for North Korea, as the sector is often excluded from international sanctions.