Quick Take: Final Touches at Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort Before Opening

Commercial satellite imagery indicates final preparations appear to be underway at the Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort ahead of an anticipated opening event that will likely be attended by Kim Jong Un. Construction has ceased ahead of the end of May deadline set by Kim in July last year and seating areas are being set up on the beach. 

The resort was originally supposed to open in 2019, but construction was delayed several times due to Kim’s changing preferences and then paused for several years during the pandemic, as national construction priorities shifted towards housing. Last July, Kim visited the resort and said it would open “by next May.” That December, North Korean state media announced the resort would open to the public in June 2025. 

Some of the most visible signs of the preparations are on the beach, where beach furniture appears to have been set up alongside the shoreline. 

Work that had been taking place at several places around the resort appears to have finished, most visibly at the water park where colorful furniture has been installed.  

At the resort’s tram station, 27 vehicles are visible. These are likely the light electric vehicles that were delivered to the resort in 2020. Each appears to hold 6-8 passengers and is slightly larger than a golf cart. 

There are not yet any obvious event preparations visible, such as a temporary stage, boards with propaganda slogans, or a red carpet. These are common features of large or important ceremonies, especially those that Kim Jong Un is expected to attend. This may mean an opening event is still some days away.