Foreign tourist attraction agency from Russia initiates marketing efforts for North Korea's recently developed coastal resort
In an exciting development, the Russian travel agency, Vostok Intur, based in Vladivostok, is promoting tours to North Korea's newly opened beach resort, the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. Located on the Kalma Peninsula along the east coast of North Korea near the city of Wonsan, this resort offers a unique opportunity for travellers to experience North Korea's culture and history, largely untouched by Western influence.
The tour itinerary begins with travellers boarding a bus in Vladivostok. From there, they will travel by bus to Khasan Station and then by train to North Korea via Tumen River Station. The tour duration is seven nights and eight days.
The Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area boasts a 4-kilometer beach strip known locally as "myong-sa-sim-ri." The resort can accommodate nearly 20,000 people and includes multiple large hotel buildings such as the Kalmaegi Hotel and the Kalma Donghae Hotel. The resort area has over 1,000 parking spaces, mostly filled by coaches indicating organized group visits.
The resort has been the site of high-level visits, including a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Kalmaegi Hotel in mid-July. The area is lively with many local tourists visible on the beach and in the water.
Regarding the tours offered by Vostok Intur, the first foreign tour group comprised about 15 Russian tourists who arrived via overnight train from Pyongyang and flights from Vladivostok. They paid around $1,850 USD for the tour package, which includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and extensive beach access. Reports from these tourists mention sumptuous meals, attentive service, and a sense of surveillance during their stay.
Larger groups may receive discounted rates on the North Korea tour, although the exact details are not specified. The price for groups of three to five people is approximately $1,500 per person, with an additional 20,000 rubles (about $250 USD) for this group size.
It's important to note that the resort remains tightly controlled and primarily serves domestic visitors, with gradual opening to foreign tourists observed but still limited. Foreign tourist entry to North Korea was abruptly suspended on July 18, sparking speculation that the halt was to address shortcomings discovered during its trial operation. However, the tours are now scheduled from August 25 to September 1.
This new tour package offers an exciting opportunity for those seeking a unique travel experience, immersing themselves in North Korea's culture and history while enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area.
Engaging in this unique travel opportunity, tourists can immerse themselves in North Korea's distinctive culture and history at the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, while indulging in the lure of the 4-kilometer beach strip known as "myong-sa-sim-ri". This exciting lifestyle adventure, offered by Vostok Intur, comprises of a 7-night, 8-day tour package that includes transport, accommodation, meals, and extensive beach access.
