Wonsan
North Korea · Asia
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About Wonsan
Wonsan, previously known as Wonsanjin (元山津), is a port city and naval base located in Kangwon Province, North Korea, on the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, on the Sea of Japan. It is the provincial capital. The port was opened by Japanese forces in 1880.
Before the 1950–1953 Korean War, it fell within the jurisdiction of the then South Hamgyong province, and during the war, it was the location of the Blockade of Wonsan. The population of the city was estimated at 329,207 in 2013. Notable people from Wonsan include Kim Ki-nam, a diplomat and former Vice Chairman of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
In 2013, it was announced that Wonsan would be converted into a summer destination with resorts and entertainment. Having spent his childhood years there, Kim Jong Un has expressed significant interest in developing the region, with the construction of new infrastructure such as Kalma Airport, a dual-use civilian international airport and military proving ground. A state corporation, the Wonsan Zone Development Corporation, has been established with feasibility studies for a wide variety of hotels and commercial and industrial development.
Wonsan travel guide
Understand
This is a major port city, naval base and administrative capital of Kangwon Province. It is an area rarely visited by foreign tourists. The siege of Wonsan during the Korean War was the longest in modern American naval history. In 2025, North Korea inaugurated the Wonsan Kalma beach resort complex, complete with a water park. For time being the park is open only to Russian and Chinese visitors.
Getting there
By train There are a few train stations connected to the rest of the country and to the capital Pyongyang, including 1 Wonsan Station and 2 Galma Station.
By boat
There is a ferry from Wonsan to Niigata in Japan called the Mangyongbong-92 that sails 20-30 times a year. It is generally restricted to Japanese nationals with a current family connection to North Korea. The crossing takes about 28 hours.
By plane 3 Wonsan Kalma International Airport (WOS IATA). Not available for use by foreigners, although Air Koryo do fly to Pyongyang and Chongjin. There are general plans to turn it eventually into a civilian airport for both domestic and international flights.
See
1 Songdowon International Children's Union Camp, Songdowon Pleasure Ground. Built in 1993. It is a reasonably good three-star hotel with plenty of activities and events for up to 1,200 children.
Chonsam Cooperative Farm. Situated on the outskirts of Wonsan, the Chonsam Cooperative Farm is one of the few places where foreign visitors are allowed to observe a working farm. 2 Haean Fun Fair. Funfair by the sea. 3 Wonsan History Museum.
Do
1 Wonsan Beach.
2 Masik Ski Resort, Pŏptong-kun, Kangwŏn (20km outside of Wonsan on the Pyongyang-Wonsan highway). North Korea's first ski resort, and foreigners can visit. Uritours are known to be able to arrange this. 3 Wonsan Air Festival. Held for the first time in September 2016 at Wonsan airport, this was the first Air Festival open to foreigners and demonstrated military and civilian aircraft. (updated Feb 2016)
Sleep
Kaeson Hotel, Haean Square. Offers 164 rooms. €60-85.
1 Tongmyong Hotel, Songdowon Beach. Good service with a billard and a bookshop. €60-85. 2 Songdowon Tourist Hotel, Songdowon Pleasure Ground. Offers 83 rooms. €45-60. 3 Sijungho Rest House (Wonsan Beach).
Go next
The Kumgangsan mountain resort is close by.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.