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North Korea opened its highly anticipated Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area for domestic visitors on July 1, according to state media, as Kim Jong-un aims to boost tourism. 

Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Kim Ju-ae, unveiled the resort in a special ceremony on June 24, attended by Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora.

The North Korean leader called it “one of the greatest successes this year,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). 

KCNA added that Kim Jong-un shared that he is hopeful that the coastal tourist area would be a world-level tourist cultural resort. He noted that it is the first step to shaping North Korea’s tourism industry. 

The project’s construction began in 2018 but was delayed due to the pandemic. It can accommodate around 20,000 visitors but is currently only open for locals as North Korea’s 2020 overseas travel ban remains effective.

According to AFP, the area will reportedly welcome Russian tourists at the end of July, as some Russian tourists have been able to visit the country for group tours.