Russian tourists will visit the newly completed Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area in Gangwon Province, North Korea, for the first time on July 7.
The large beach resort complex in Wonsan, Gangwon Province, North Korea, called the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area, has been completed. Korean Central News Agency reported on the 26th that "the completion ceremony of the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area was grandly held on the 24th with Chairman Kim Jong Un in attendance." Pyongyang Korean Central News Agency Yonhap News Agency
According to major foreign news agencies including TASS on June 26, the Primorsky Krai administration in Russia announced the previous day that "local residents and tourists from all over Russia will now be able to visit North Korea's new world-class beach resort via Primorsky Krai," adding, "The first tour group is scheduled to depart on July 7."
The administration also explained that the completion ceremony for the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area was held grandly on June 24 with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in attendance.
Aleksei Starichkov, Director of International Cooperation for Primorsky Krai, said that this tourism cooperation was decided after Governor Oleg Kozhemyako of Primorsky Krai toured the resort during his visit to North Korea.
He stated, "Governor Kozhemyako agreed with Kim Tok Hun, Secretary of the Central Committee, that once the resort opens in the summer of 2025, tourists from across Russia will visit via Primorsky Krai." He added, "This tourism program has already been planned and applications are currently being accepted," and clarified, "All arrangements are being made through authorized travel agencies."
The tour group is scheduled for an eight-day, seven-night itinerary, visiting not only the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area but also major attractions in Pyongyang.
On this day, the Korean Central News Agency described the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area as "a tourist zone equipped with hotels and inns capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests, allowing domestic and international visitors to choose according to their preferences," indicating that the facilities are designed to attract foreign tourists.
The completion ceremony was attended by Alexander Matsegora, Russian Ambassador to North Korea, and embassy staff as special guests.
The Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Area will first open to domestic tourists starting July 1.
Primorsky Krai, located in the Russian Far East, borders North Korea, and flights operate between its capital, Vladivostok, and Pyongyang.
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