Kim Jong Un Inspects Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone with Daughter Kim Ju Ae
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, visited the newly completed Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on December 29, 2024. The inspection, reported by North Korea’s state media, highlights the regime’s focus on tourism development as a key driver of economic growth. The Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone is set to officially open in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in North Korea’s efforts to boost its tourism industry.
Key Highlights of Kim Jong Un’s Visit
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Tour of the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone
Kim Jong Un inspected the newly constructed hotels and service facilities, praising the site as “a spectacle to behold.” He emphasized that the tourist zone meets high standards and is capable of hosting international events and political-cultural activities with dignity. -
Focus on Tourism Development
During the visit, Kim Jong Un highlighted the importance of tourism in advancing socialist cultural construction and driving regional and national economic growth. He also outlined plans to connect the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone with other key tourist areas, such as the Mount Kumgang Tourist Zone and the Samjiyon Mountain Tourism Area. -
Kim Ju Ae’s Public Appearance
Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, accompanied him during the inspection, marking her second public appearance in two months. Her presence has sparked speculation about her role in North Korea’s leadership succession. Photos showed her walking along the coast, arm-in-arm with her father, reinforcing her growing visibility. -
Political Messaging
Kim Jong Un stressed that “political stability, institutional superiority, and material-economic conditions are essential for the development of the tourism industry.” This statement is widely interpreted as a critique of South Korea’s political instability while underscoring the perceived strength of North Korea’s system. -
Overview of the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone
Located in the Kalma Peninsula of Wonsan, the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone has been under development since 2014. Despite delays caused by international sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic, the project is now nearing completion. North Korea aims to attract foreign tourists, particularly from Russia, to generate much-needed foreign currency.
Why This Matters
Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone underscores North Korea’s commitment to expanding its tourism industry as part of its broader economic strategy. The inclusion of Kim Ju Ae in the inspection has also fueled discussions about her potential role in the regime’s future leadership.
Conclusion
The Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone represents a significant step in North Korea’s efforts to revitalize its economy and improve its international image. Kim Jong Un’s visit, along with the presence of his daughter Kim Ju Ae, highlights the regime’s focus on tourism as a key economic driver while also signaling potential developments in the country’s leadership dynamics. Stay tuned for more updates on North Korea’s tourism projects and political developments.
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