Mount Kumgang's UNESCO Recognition Sparks North Korea's Bold Tourism Ambitions: From Wonsan-Galma to Masikryong

Mount Kumgang Achieves UNESCO World Heritage Status

On July 13, 2025, North Korea's Mount Kumgang officially received UNESCO World Heritage status, marking a significant milestone for the isolated nation. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee made this decision during its 47th session in Paris, with the site officially designated as 'Mt. Kumgang - Diamond Mountain from the Sea'. When the announcement was made, the North Korean delegation immediately stood up and unfurled their national flag in celebration, signaling their intent to cooperate with international organizations regarding the mountain's future development.

Mount Kumgang, stretching across the counties of Hoeyang, Tongchon, and Goseong in northern Gangwon Province, is renowned for its striking granite peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, and pristine ecosystem. The mountain is divided into Outer Kumgang, Inner Kumgang, Sea Kumgang, and New Kumgang, reflecting the changing beauty of the four seasons. This recognition makes Mount Kumgang North Korea's third UNESCO World Heritage site, joining the Complex of Koguryo Tombs (2004) and Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong (2013).

Kim Jong Un's Tourism-Centered Economic Strategy

North Korea's enthusiasm for Mount Kumgang's UNESCO recognition stems from Kim Jong Un's comprehensive tourism development strategy that began in the early years of his regime. The country has been focusing intensively on developing the east coast along the Taebaek Mountain Range, with Mount Kumgang, the Wonsan-Galma coastal tourism zone, and Masikryong Ski Resort as flagship projects. Tourism represents one of the few economic sectors largely untouched by international sanctions, making it a crucial source of foreign currency for the sanctions-hit economy.

Kim Jong Un has visited the Wonsan-Galma construction site six times, demonstrating his personal commitment to the project. The tourism strategy encompasses an ambitious 'Wonsan-Kumgang International Tourism Zone' plan, complete with a dual-lane highway connecting Wonsan to Mount Kumgang. This comprehensive approach aims to create year-round tourism possibilities by linking six different areas: Wonsan-Galma, Seoguangsa, Ullim Falls, Tongchon, Mount Kumgang, and Masikryong.

Wonsan-Galma Coastal Resort: North Korea's Tourism Crown Jewel

The Wonsan-Galma Coastal Tourist Zone officially opened to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025, after nearly a decade of construction delays. The massive resort can accommodate approximately 20,000 visitors simultaneously and features modern hotels, water parks, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and daughter Kim Ju Ae, personally cut the ribbon at the lavish opening ceremony on June 24, 2025.

The project, which began in 2014, faced multiple setbacks due to international sanctions affecting material supply and the COVID-19 pandemic. Satellite imagery analysis revealed that construction accelerated significantly after Kim's site visits in 2023, with the final phases completed just in time for the summer 2025 opening. The resort is divided into eight zones, including areas with 30-story hotels, multi-purpose stadiums, and large-scale water parks. The transformation of the former military Galma Airfield into a civilian airport specifically for the resort demonstrates the regime's commitment to tourism development.

Strategic Positioning and International Implications

The Wonsan-Galma development serves multiple strategic purposes beyond tourism revenue generation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent visit to Wonsan in January 2025, where he held 'yacht diplomacy' meetings with Kim Jong Un, highlighted the resort's potential role in North Korea-Russia relations. The meeting was held at the Myeongsa Ship-ri Hotel within the tourism zone, and Lavrov used Galma Airport for his entire stay, demonstrating the resort's diplomatic importance.

However, experts question the economic viability of attracting large numbers of international tourists. A week-long tourism package to Wonsan costs approximately $1,800, equivalent to more than 1.5 times the average Russian monthly salary. While Russian tourists are expected to be among the first foreign visitors, with tours scheduled to begin in July 2025, the numbers remain limited. The resort's strategic location also holds military significance, as the Wonsan area could serve as a forward base for Russian naval operations in the East Sea, particularly in relation to Japan.

Economic Realities and Tourism Challenges

Despite the grand ambitions, North Korea's tourism industry faces significant structural challenges. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists comprised over 90% of foreign visitors, attracted by relatively affordable prices. However, Chinese group tours remain stalled as of 2025, and the country's tourism infrastructure struggles to attract Western visitors beyond niche adventure travelers.

The tourism sector's success is fundamentally limited by North Korea's restrictive political system and international isolation. With an estimated 60% of North Koreans living in poverty, domestic tourism alone cannot sustain the massive investments made in facilities like Wonsan-Galma. The country's continuing military developments and deepening isolation have further dampened tourism prospects, as evidenced by the abrupt halt of Western tourism after briefly reopening in early 2025.

Future Prospects Under Changing Geopolitics

The potential for South Korean tourism to North Korea remains a contentious issue, particularly given Kim Jong Un's declaration of 'hostile two-state relations' in late 2023. However, some experts suggest that economic necessity might override political rhetoric, especially given the Wonsan-Galma resort's massive unused capacity. The new South Korean government led by Lee Jae-myung, which has prioritized inter-Korean relations restoration, could potentially negotiate tourism resumption with appropriate safety guarantees.

Kim Jong Un's tourism vision extends beyond current projects, with plans announced for additional large-scale tourist sites across the country. The regime's characterization of the Wonsan-Galma opening as 'the proud first step' toward a new era in tourism development suggests continued investment in this sector. However, the success of these ambitious plans largely depends on North Korea's ability to balance its tourism aspirations with its broader strategic objectives and the evolving international sanctions regime.