Russian tourists are seeking new destinations, and North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma Resort offers a thrilling escape with beaches, luxury, and unique experiences.
The war in Ukraine has reshaped global travel dynamics, particularly for Russian tourists. With Europe imposing strict travel bans, Russian travelers are seeking alternative destinations that welcome them with open arms. Among the emerging options, North Korea has positioned itself as a unique and surprisingly accessible travel destination.
Vostok Intur Travel Agency, a Russian tour operator, has been actively promoting North Korea as a viable vacation spot. The agency highlights the country’s historical sites, guided tours, skiing trips, and, most notably, a new beach resort called Wonsan-Kalma, also referred to as the “Korean Ibiza.”
This resort, situated on the eastern coast of North Korea, is part of a broader strategy by the North Korean government to boost its tourism industry and generate foreign currency. With its long, sandy beaches, a modern water park, and numerous high-rise hotels, Wonsan-Kalma is expected to attract Russian tourists eager for an exotic and relatively affordable getaway.
What Is the “Korean Ibiza”?
The term “Korean Ibiza” refers to Wonsan-Kalma, a newly constructed resort designed to rival popular beach destinations worldwide. The name is reportedly linked to a rumor that North Korean officials visited Spain to study successful resort models before developing their own version.
Initially planned in 2013 as part of Kim Jong Un’s vision for expanding tourism, Wonsan-Kalma was designed to accommodate up to 100,000 visitors at a time. However, construction was delayed due to economic sanctions, logistical issues, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. After years of setbacks, renewed efforts in 2023 led to the finalization of the resort, with the grand opening expected in 2024. The first wave of tourists is anticipated in the spring of 2025.
The resort features:
- White sandy beaches along the eastern coast.
- High-rise hotels designed for international tourists.
- A modern water park with pools and slides.
- Local entertainment including performances and cultural displays.
- An airport built to handle foreign visitors.
This development aligns with North Korea’s goal of opening its doors to foreign tourism while maintaining strict state-controlled tour itineraries.
Vostok Intur’s Offer: Russian Tourism in North Korea
Vostok Intur Travel Agency has designed multiple travel packages to accommodate Russian tourists interested in exploring North Korea. These packages include:
- Skiing trips in the Masikryong mountains.
- Historical and political tours in Pyongyang.
- Traditional Korean cultural experiences.
- A new luxury beach vacation at Wonsan-Kalma.
With European vacation spots no longer an option for Russian tourists due to political restrictions, North Korea offers an unusual but viable alternative. The agency emphasizes that North Korea is “one of the friendliest countries” for Russian visitors, a statement that aligns with the longstanding political ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Cost and Itinerary for Wonsan-Kalma Tours
For those interested in visiting Wonsan-Kalma, the cost of an 8-day vacation package is approximately 1,750 USD per person. This price includes:
- Flights from Vladivostok to Pyongyang and back
- Hotel accommodations at Wonsan-Kalma
- Visa and travel insurance
- Three meals per day
- Guided tours and excursions
- Local transportation within North Korea
- Entry to various attractions, including the water park and cultural performances
Despite North Korea’s reputation as one of the world’s most isolated countries, travel agencies such as Vostok Intur ensure a structured and secure experience for tourists, with all itineraries carefully planned and approved by the North Korean government.
Who Is Expected to Travel to North Korea?
Experts predict that Chinese and Russian tourists will make up the majority of visitors to Wonsan-Kalma. Chinese tourism in North Korea has historically been strong, and with recent travel promotions, Russian visitors are expected to join this trend.
The key factors driving Russian tourists toward North Korea include:
- Limited European Travel Options: EU and Western countries have imposed strict entry bans on Russian passport holders.
- Affordability: Compared to high-end beach resorts in other parts of Asia, Wonsan-Kalma offers a relatively low-cost alternative.
- Political Friendliness: Russia and North Korea maintain strong diplomatic relations, making travel between the two countries easier.
- Curiosity and Unique Experience: Many Russian tourists see North Korea as a destination unlike any other, offering a rare glimpse into one of the most closed-off nations in the world.
However, travelers should be aware that North Korea enforces strict regulations for tourists. All visitors must be accompanied by government-approved guides at all times, and independent travel is not permitted.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While the prospect of visiting North Korea may intrigue adventurous travelers, there are some key concerns to consider:
- Strict Travel Rules: Tourists are closely monitored, and photography restrictions apply.
- Limited Connectivity: Internet access is unavailable to most visitors, and mobile communication is restricted.
- Political Risks: Given North Korea’s unpredictable international stance, sudden policy changes could affect travel plans.
- Cultural Differences: Tourists must adhere to North Korea’s laws and customs, including showing respect for political leaders and symbols.
Despite these challenges, travel agencies reassure tourists that as long as they follow the guidelines, trips to North Korea are safe and well-organized.
The Future of North Korean Tourism
North Korea has long aimed to develop its tourism sector as a means of securing foreign revenue while maintaining its strict governance model. The launch of Wonsan-Kalma marks a significant step in this direction. By targeting Chinese and Russian travelers, North Korea hopes to establish itself as a niche tourism destination, offering a mix of cultural heritage, historical sites, and now, beachfront relaxation.
Whether Wonsan-Kalma will gain popularity as a true “Korean Ibiza” remains to be seen, but for Russian tourists with limited travel options, it presents an unconventional yet accessible getaway.
As Russian-European travel restrictions persist, North Korea may increasingly position itself as a preferred travel alternative, solidifying ties between the two nations while reshaping the global tourism landscape.
With Western destinations closing their doors to Russian tourists, North Korea is emerging as an alternative travel destination, offering everything from historical tours to luxury beach vacations at Wonsan-Kalma. As 2025 approaches, Russian tourists are expected to explore this unusual yet politically friendly resort, making the “Korean Ibiza” a unique addition to the global tourism industry.
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