North Korea sets to open landmark coastal tourist zone

North Korea's state-run KCTV has publicly shown leader Kim Jong Un at the opening ceremony of the sprawling Wonsan – Kalma coastal tourist zone in Kangwon Province. Conceived in 2014, the project aims to transform the Kalma Peninsula into a major tourist destination, with more than 150 hotel and accommodation buildings along the 4–5 km Myongsasimni beach.

It's been described as the “first big step” toward boosting North Korea’s tourism industry and earning foreign currency. Facilities include hotels, water‑parks, exhibition halls, and even presidential‑style suites.