North Korea emerges as new travel destination for Russians

North Korea is increasingly positioning itself as a tourist destination for Russian citizens, offering beach resorts, skiing, and specialized discounts for Russian soldiers who served in Ukraine. Following the reopening of borders to Russian tourists in 2026, the country has promoted new travel packages, including eight-day itineraries starting from Vladivostok that combine visits to Pyongyang with stays at the Wonsan-Kalma seaside resort.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort, recently inaugurated by Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae, is being marketed as a world-class cultural and tourist center. This development follows the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, including a mutual defense treaty signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.

While tourism remains a niche market, officials report a steady increase in visitors. Approximately 5,000 Russians visited in 2026, with projections reaching 6,000. The rise in North Korean tourism coincides with increased travel restrictions for Russians attempting to enter the European Union.