Splash zone by launch pad: North Korea builds bizarre water park for Russian tourists
North Korea opens water park near military testing site for Russian tourists (Photo: Getty Images)
A new entertainment complex with a water park has opened in North Korea, located just a few kilometers from a military training ground where missile tests are regularly conducted. The site is already being actively advertised to Russian tourists. Here's what the water park looks like, whether tourists can visit, and why Russians are the key audience.
Waterslides with a view of a test site
In June 2025, North Korean state media aired a report about the opening of the new Wonsan-Kalma resort, featuring pools, waterslides, and spa zones. The resort is situated only a few kilometers from one of the country's major military test sites, where Pyongyang carries out missile launches repeatedly condemned by the UN and Western nations.
Russians are the target audience
Since July 1, the resort has been open to local visitors—North Korean citizens—but it's also being promoted for international tourism.
According to Russian tour operators, the facility is being actively marketed in Russia as "a new, unique format of exotic vacation." Travel packages already include transfer from Vladivostok, accommodation, meals, and excursions to North Korean attractions, including the water park.
Prices for such trips start at $2,000 per person. Some operators promise "an exclusive experience in a country without internet and Western influence."
New resort with water park in North Korea (Photo: x.com/NorthNKAAL)
Safety? Not exactly a priority
The international community has reacted with irony to the combination of leisure and military infrastructure. British security analyst James Halstead told The Telegraph that the idea is "a symbol of the new Russia-North Korea closeness" and called it "tourism of the absurd."
There are no safety explanations or warnings in the promotional materials. Observers note, however, that Russian tourists don’t seem overly concerned.
Symbol of new geopolitical ties
The water park's opening comes amid growing ties between North Korea and Russia. The two countries are holding joint events, exchanging delegations, and discussing military and technological cooperation. Tourism has now become another avenue of partnership.
Who can visit North Korea now
Since 2020, during the pandemic, North Korea closed its borders completely. But in 2024, some restrictions began to ease and the country started welcoming delegations from Russia and China. In 2025, authorities announced plans to attract tourists through "friendly channels."
Currently, those allowed include:
- Chinese citizens, but only through partner travel agencies and with special permits
- Russian citizens, in certain cases. Entry is allowed only for organized tour groups through trusted agencies and under strict supervision. A state guide must accompany the group, and independent movement is prohibited.
Entry is strictly forbidden for:
- Journalists
- Activists
- Diplomats without an official invitation
- Citizens of South Korea
- Solo travelers
Tourists, who were lucky to come, must stay only in designated, government-controlled hotels. Shopping and dining are restricted to specific approved locations.
Communication with locals is limited. Taking photos or videos is only allowed with permission from the guide or escort. Tourists are not permitted to travel around the country independently.
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Sources: North Korean Archives and Library, The Telegraph, NK News, Yonhap News Agency.
