North Korea has officially opened a massive new tourist area on its east coast, a long-time project led by leader Kim Jong Un, aimed at boosting the country’s tourism industry.

According to KCNA, North Korea’s state media, the new Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone can host up to 20,000 visitors. The opening ceremony was attended by Kim Jong Un, who expressed “great satisfaction” with the project.

He also said that the country plans to build more large-scale tourist zones quickly.

The seaside city of Wonsan has been under redevelopment for years. Kim Jong Un has been working to turn it into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot since the idea was first announced in 2014.

Though tourism is one of the few income sources for North Korea, not restricted by UN sanctions, the Wonsan project moved forward without any major foreign investment, largely due to global sanctions over the country’s weapons programs.

KCNA reported that the new tourist area will open to domestic visitors starting July 1. There was no mention of foreign tourists yet.

North Korea had sealed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic and only started slowly reopening in 2023. So far, it has allowed Russian tourist groups inside, but much of the country, including the capital Pyongyang, is still closed to regular tourism.

As part of growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, the Russian ambassador and embassy staff were invited to the opening ceremony as special guests.

KCNA said both countries have agreed to increase tourism cooperation, including restarting a direct passenger train between their capitals for the first time since 2020.

North Korea has supported Russia in its war in Ukraine, reportedly sending troops, ammunition, artillery, and missiles.

In his speech, Kim Jong Un expressed hope that the new coastal zone would soon become known worldwide.

“Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the wave of happiness to be raised in the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area would enhance its attractive name as a world-level tourist cultural resort,” KCNA quoted.

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