Wonsan, North Korea: travel guide
Sea of Japan beaches, fresh seafood and a ski resort within reach
Wonsan is a port city on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) celebrated for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and the nearby Masikryong Ski Resort.
About Wonsan
Wonsan is a port city on the Sea of Japan, known in Korea for its sandy beaches and fresh seafood. It is the centrepiece of the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone, the country's main leisure destination on the east coast.
Days here revolve around the water: the sands of Songdowon Beach, the waterfront and plates of local fish and shellfish. In winter, excursions head inland to the slopes of the Masikryong ski resort, which gives the area a second season.
Wonsan suits travellers who want a coastal change of pace from the capital. Summer is the natural time for the beaches, while winter appeals to those who come for the snow.
- Country
- North Korea
- Currency
- KPW
- Time zone
- Asia/Pyongyang
Last updated
Top places to visit in Wonsan
Songdowon Beach
sand beach · 4.2 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
North Korea's best-known beach — a pine-backed sandy shore on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) in Wonsan. Popular with North Korean holidaymakers in summer (June–August). The Songdowon International Children's Camp is adjacent. Included on…
Masikryong Ski Resort
ski resort · 4.0 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
North Korea's premier ski resort on Mount Masik (1,360 m), opened in 2013. Features 10 runs (approx 10 km total), 3 lifts, snowboarding terrain and a 120-room resort hotel. Equipment hire on site. Open December–March on specialist winter…
Wonsan-Kalma Beach Promenade
Beach · 3.8 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The beachfront promenade of the Wonsan-Kalma International Tourism Zone — a major ongoing DPRK development project to create a large coastal tourist resort. Even in its partially-developed state, the coastal scenery along the East Sea is…
Things to do
- Wonsan Beach & Seafood Day Beach · 4 h · from INR 7,500 per person
- Masikryong Full-Day Ski Adventure · 6 h · from INR 46,000 per person
Where to stay in Wonsan
- Wonsan Masikryong Tourist Zone about KPW 80 per night
Songdowon International Children's Camp and adjacent tourist facilities near Wonsan beach. The Masikryong ski resort is 35 km inland. Accommodation is in state-run tourist guesthouses and hotels.
Hotels
- Masikryong Resort Hotel 3-star · EUR 80 to EUR 130 per night
- Songdowon International Tourist Hotel 3-star · EUR 60 to EUR 95 per night
Where to eat
- Wonsan Seafood Restaurant Korean, Seafood · about EUR 20 per person
- Masikryong Ski Resort Restaurant Korean, North Korean Traditional · about EUR 15 per person
Getting to Wonsan
Airport: Wonsan (WOS)
Getting around
- Coach
- Walking
More in North Korea
Frequently asked questions about Wonsan
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Wonsan?
- The highest-rated places in our Wonsan guide are Songdowon Beach, Masikryong Ski Resort, Wonsan-Kalma Beach Promenade.
- Where should I stay in Wonsan?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Wonsan: Wonsan Masikryong Tourist Zone.
- How do I get around Wonsan?
- Ways to get around Wonsan covered in our guide: Coach, Walking.