Russian travelers share experiences from their trip to North Korea: Insights from tourists visiting the reclusive nation.
In the heart of the isolated nation, the Wonsan-Kalma resort, open only to Russians, stands as a testament to the shimmering seas and pristine beaches that North Korea has to offer. However, due to limited international tourism, the resort often lacks the hustle and bustle of a typical holiday destination [1].
Recent figures show a growing interest in tourism from Russia to North Korea. In early 2025, nearly 700 Russian tourists traveled to North Korea, almost double the number compared with 2024, although fewer than 900 Russians visited for leisure in 2024 overall [1][3]. This increase is partly due to improved travel access, including the launch in July 2025 of new direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang by Nordwind Airlines, offering monthly service and making travel for Russian tourists easier [2].
Anastasiya Samsonova, a 33-year-old HR manager, recently returned from a holiday in North Korea. Her experience was one of freedom within strict rules, a contrast to common prejudices about North Korea’s controls [5]. The hotel at the resort, she described, was "absolutely new, with a good interior and very developed infrastructure" [6]. Her holiday snaps show empty sun loungers and a glittering banquet hall devoid of diners [4].
The tours offered by Vostok Intur, a travel agency in Moscow, are increasingly popular, with 400 bookings a month [7]. The customers booking the tours are mostly older people who want to revisit the USSR and younger people seeking a unique experience [7]. Ms. Kobeleva, the director of Vostok Intur, believes North Korea can become a holiday hotspot [8].
The absence of advertising and cleanliness of North Korea are unique features that the agency highlights [9]. The brochures presented by Vostok Intur show images of towering monuments, pristine golf greens, immaculate ski slopes, but no people [10]. Tatiana, a pensioner, is booking a trip to fulfill her late husband's wish, while Pavel, a young blogger, is booking a trip to North Korea as number 89 in his "country collection" [4].
North Korea and Russia are forging closer ties, with North Korean troops providing military support in Russia's Kursk region last year, and now there is economic cooperation too, with North Korean produce appearing on supermarket shelves in Russia's far east [11]. The recent opening of the luxury beach resort—Kalma—signals a growing focus on Russian travelers, with Russians expected to be among the first foreign visitors [3][5].
However, experts caution that infrastructure challenges and political volatility could limit broader tourism development [3]. For now, Russian tourists report a distinctive but surprisingly free experience, though the scale remains small relative to other countries’ visitors, and the future of North Korean tourism remains uncertain.
References: 1. Tourism from Russia to North Korea is growing but remains relatively modest 2. Russian airline launches direct flights to Pyongyang 3. North Korea opens luxury beach resort to Russian tourists 4. Inside Russia's North Korea holiday: A unique experience amid strict rules 5. Russian tourists describe 'amazing' North Korea holiday 6. Russian tourist's account of her holiday in North Korea 7. Vostok Intur's tours to North Korea are becoming increasingly popular 8. Director of Vostok Intur believes North Korea can become a holiday hotspot 9. Unique features of North Korea that attract Russian tourists 10. Brochures presented by Vostok Intur show images of North Korea without people 11. North Korean produce appearing on supermarket shelves in Russia's far east
Sanctions against North Korea have not hindered the increase in lifestyle choices for some, as the growing interest in tourism from Russia to North Korea is remarkable, leading to an influx of Russian tourists, such as Anastasiya Samsonova, who recently traveled to North Korea for a unique holiday experience. Despite this increase, potential travelers should be aware that the future of North Korean tourism remains uncertain due to infrastructure challenges and political volatility.
