Wonsan
Kangwon's scenic capital, a favorite destination for domestic and foreign travelers alike, located between the Masikryong Mountains and East Sea of Korea.
Guide Content
The Coastal Capital of Kangwon Province
Photograph courtesy of Aram Pan (DPRK360)
Wonsan (원산/元山), the provincial capital of Kangwon Province (강원도/江原道), occupies a strategic position on Korea's east coast. Situated between the Masikryong Mountains and the East Sea of Korea (known outside of Korea as the Sea of Japan), it is the main port in the region. Long regarded as a favored seaside retreat, Wonsan is now the focus of state-led tourism development, with new resorts, waterfront promenades, and cultural facilities reshaping its shoreline. Though it is less industrialized than other coastal cities, it is nonetheless a lively city: fishermen haul in squid and pollock at busy docks, students and young pioneers bring life to the streets and shoreline, and revolutionary murals stand alongside galleries showcasing the work of local artists. The city is also one of the country's best places to enjoy fresh seafood, from simple grilled clams to elaborate platters served in local restaurants along the harbor. To get a better view of the city, consider taking a boat ride on Wonsan Bay!
Residents of Wonsan preparing for National Day festivities.
Top Landmarks in and Around Wonsan
- Mangyongbong-92 – A retired ferry moored in Wonsan Harbor, once linking the DPRK to Japan. Board this historic vessel for dining, coffee, or a glimpse into its storied past.
- Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area – A vast tourist complex on the Kalma Peninsula made up of hundreds of buildings that include 54 brand-new hotels, a vast outdoor waterpark, a second one indoors, a mini-golf course, a movie theater, shopping malls, dozens of restaurants, a few bars, and even a couple of video game arcades. Once empty, it has begun welcoming domestic and Russian visitors, with the expectation that other foreign tourists will follow before long.
- Songdowon International Children's Camp – A summer retreat where Korean and foreign youth alike learn socialist values through team activities. Check out classes in session, dorms, an aquarium, and a gymnasium buzzing with youthful energy.
- Masikryong Ski Resort – The country's premier alpine destination, boasting 11 slopes, snowmobiling, and a lodge with sweeping mountain views. Visit in winter for skiing or year-round for hiking.
- Ullim Falls – A cascading natural wonder rediscovered by soldiers in 2001. Ideal for a refreshing swim or picnic beneath its misty veil.
- Wonsan Agricultural University – Stroll through this hillside campus, where students master modern farming techniques in a striking neo-Romanesque building originally constructed by Catholic missionaries.
Getting to Wonsan
Beautiful river and mountain views from a rest stop along the Pyongyang–Wonsan Highway.
The Pyongyang–Wonsan Highway cuts across the width of Korea, linking the capital to the east coast city in a four-hour journey over the country's mountainous spine. Along the way are farm fields, rural villages, wooded passes, and river valleys, making it one of the best drives to take in the many many rivers and mountains that define Korea's beauty.
Accommodation
- Tongmyong Hotel – Waterfront lodging with harbor views, an indoor seawater pool, and retro amenities like billiards and a sauna, named after Goguryeo's founding King Tongmyong (동명성왕/東明聖王), who was commonly known as Jumong (주몽/朱蒙).
- Songdowon Hotel – A seaside stay with quirky charm, featuring a bookshop stocked with interesting political titles and vibrant 1970s-era decor.
- Kalma Hotel – A secluded beachfront retreat on Kalma Peninsula, offering serenity (and occasional solitude) with private access to sandy shores.