Fact Check: Kim Jong Un's beach resort was delayed six years before opening.

Fact Check: Kim Jong Un's Beach Resort Was Delayed Six Years Before Opening

What We Know

North Korea's Wonsan Kalma beach resort, which was initially scheduled to open in October 2019, officially opened to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025, marking a delay of approximately six years. This information was reported by multiple sources, including the BBC and AP News. The resort is designed to accommodate up to 20,000 visitors and includes various amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. The completion ceremony was attended by Kim Jong Un and was described by state media as a significant achievement for the country’s tourism sector (Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that the Wonsan Kalma beach resort was delayed for six years is substantiated by credible news reports. The initial opening was set for October 2019, but construction delays, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed the opening date to July 2025. This timeline is corroborated by various sources, including the BBC and AP News, which detail the timeline of events leading to the resort's eventual opening.

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations known for their coverage of international affairs. However, it is important to note that information from North Korean state media, such as KCNA, should be approached with caution due to potential bias and propaganda. The reports from independent news outlets provide a more balanced perspective on the situation.

Moreover, the context of the resort's development reflects North Korea's broader strategy to boost tourism as a means of economic recovery, especially after the severe impacts of the pandemic on its economy (Reuters). This strategic pivot underscores the significance of the resort's delayed opening.

Conclusion

The claim that Kim Jong Un's beach resort was delayed six years before opening is True. The evidence provided by multiple reputable sources confirms that the Wonsan Kalma beach resort was originally scheduled to open in October 2019 but faced significant delays, ultimately opening to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025.

Sources

1. North Korea to open beach resort as Kim bets on tourism
2. North Korea opens a new long delayed beach resort without tourists
3. North Korea to open the Wonsan-Kalma resort next week
4. North Korea opens landmark coastal Wonsan tourist zone
5. North Korea delays opening of giant Wonsan Kalma resort again to June ...