The North Korean version of a complex resort, the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Zone in Gangwon Province, reportedly opened the previous day, according to the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 2.
The agency noted that "a scene of laughter and romance unfolded on the ten-mile sandy beach of the national treasure-level tourist site, the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Zone," and that "numerous workers from across the country are yearning for a trip to the enchanting tourist destination that doesn't exist in the world, and many guests settled in from the very first day of operation.
Tourists also visited from nearby Gangwon Province and South Hamgyong Province, as well as the capital Pyongyang and the northern regions of North Hamgyong Province, Yanggang Province, and Jagang Province.
The agency stated that "the sounds of excitement echoed endlessly as guests enjoyed the unique thrill of using various colorful and state-of-the-art water play equipment competitively," adding that "customers received kind service in commerce and catering networks while spending enjoyable leisure time.
North Korea held a completion ceremony for the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Zone on the 24th of last month with the attendance of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and announced that it would first open to domestic visitors on July 1.
It plans to open to foreign tourists sometime this month. The Russian news agency TASS reported on the 26th of last month (local time) that Russian tourists would first visit the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Zone on the 7th.
The Korean Central News Agency described the Wonsan Galma Coastal Tourist Zone as "a tourist zone equipped with hotels and inns capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 guests, allowing both domestic and international visitors to choose according to their preferences," suggesting that the facilities are intended to attract foreign tourists.
However, there are expected limitations in steadily attracting Russian tourists. Based on the number of flights between Vladivostok, Russia, and Pyongyang, it is estimated that up to 170 foreign tourists could be brought in per day.