A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Peter Makowsky and Jenny Town

The Wonsan beach resort is one of Kim Jong Un’s signature projects, as part of an effort to transform the Wonsan region into a world-class tourist destination and the prime spot for summer vacationers. Located on the southeastern coast of North Korea, the resort area includes beachfront hotels, conference centers, mineral springs, and entertainment venues such as theaters, water parks and a golf course.

Rapid construction was seen throughout 2018 and continues this year, with new amenities and high-rises continually popping up. While the original deadline was to complete the resort by October 2019, Kim Jong Un extended that deadline during his April visit to April of 2020, coinciding with the “Day of the Sun” (Kim Il Sung’s birthday).

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