North Korea inaugurated the Yombunjin coastal tourism complex in Hamgyong Bac province on 21/1. This marked the completion of a project that began in 2011 but was extended for over a decade due to delays and design adjustments.
The new resort features the Yombunjin Haeyang guesthouse and a beach, alongside amenities such as: a cinema, shops, and an arcade. This development aims to cater to the leisure needs of local residents and business travelers visiting North Korea.
Pak Myong Ho, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hamgyong Bac province, stated that the resort would offer leisure conditions and conveniences for provincial residents and those who frequently travel for work. Currently, the resort has no plans to welcome international visitors.
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The Yombunjin coastal resort. Yonhap |
The Yombunjin coastal resort. Yonhap
The Yombunjin project began in July 2011 under the directive of late leader Kim Jong Il but stalled for an extended period. In 2018, leader Kim Jong Un inspected the area, requesting a redesign of the hotel and an expansion of the project to include a modern coastal park.
The completion of Yombunjin aligns with North Korea's recent push to invest in coastal tourism infrastructure. Previously, the country developed the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort in Kangwon province, a large-scale project along the eastern coastline.
The Wonsan Kalma complex was inaugurated on 24/6/2025 and began welcoming domestic visitors from 1/7/2025. This complex features hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, and service areas, capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests simultaneously.
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North Korean officials cut the ribbon at the resort's inauguration. KCNA |
North Korean officials cut the ribbon at the resort's inauguration. KCNA
Before its opening, some foreign travel agencies and regional media reported North Korea's plans to welcome Russian tourist groups to Wonsan Kalma, indicating an initial focus on the international market. However, only a few weeks after its inauguration, international news agencies reported that the resort temporarily stopped admitting foreign visitors, without specifying reasons or duration.
Since 2025, North Korea has allowed some international tourist groups to return on a limited scale, including tours to the Rason special economic zone after nearly 5 years of closure due to the pandemic. Tourism promotion plans for 2026 also mention targeting the Chinese market.
In this context, the completion of the Yombunjin coastal resort is seen as an additional step in the tourism infrastructure system, reflecting North Korea's long-term efforts to prepare for potential tourism expansion when conditions allow.
Mai Phuong (According to Koreatimes, KCNA)
