# Wonsan, North Korea travel guide

> A secretive coastal gateway with limited but distinctive access.

Source: Wanderlust App — https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/wonsan-north-korea
Last updated: 2026-06-25

Wanderlust rates Wonsan, North Korea with overall livability 2/5, safety 3/5, cost 5/5, internet 0.2631578947368421/5, leisure 2/5 (data updated 2026-06-25).

## Overview

Wonsan is a port city on North Korea's east coast, historically significant as a trading hub and beach resort destination. Tourism is highly restricted and controlled by the state, with access limited to organized government-approved tours. The city offers limited modern amenities, unreliable infrastructure, and minimal international connectivity, making it an unconventional destination for experienced travelers.

## Wanderlust scores

- Overall livability: 2/5
- Safety: 3/5 (higher is safer)
- Cost of living: 5/5 (affordability — higher is cheaper)
- Internet: 2 Mbps median speed
- Leisure: 2/5
- Air quality: 5/5 (higher is cleaner)
- Wanderlust global rank: #1216

## Practical information

- Country: North Korea
- Region: Asia
- Population: 338,321.01
- Best time to visit: Summer months offer the most favorable weather conditions.
- Currency: North Korean won (KPW)
- Primary language: Korean
- Time zone: Asia/Pyongyang
- Nearest airport: Wonsan Kalma International Airport

## Estimated monthly cost (USD)

| Profile | Monthly total |
| --- | --- |
| Nomad | $1,500 |
| Expat | $900 |
| Family | $2,368 |
| Local | $564 |

## Things to do in Wonsan

- Songdowon International Children's Camp
- Wonsan Beach
- Kalema Islet
- Kangdong Hot Spring Resort

## Where to stay in Wonsan

Neighborhoods popular with visitors:

- Wonsan Port District
- Seaside Resort Area

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Wonsan safe for travelers?

Wonsan has a safety rating of 3 out of 5.

### What is the best time to visit Wonsan?

The best time to visit Wonsan is Summer months offer the most favorable weather conditions..

### What are the top things to do in Wonsan?

Top sights in Wonsan include Songdowon International Children's Camp, Wonsan Beach, Kalema Islet, and Kangdong Hot Spring Resort.

### Where should I stay in Wonsan?

Popular neighborhoods for visitors to Wonsan include Wonsan Port District and Seaside Resort Area.

### How expensive is Wonsan?

Wonsan has an affordability score of 5 out of 5, where 5 is most affordable.

### How much does it cost to live in Wonsan per month?

Estimated monthly costs in Wonsan are about $1,500 for a digital nomad, $900 for an expat, $2,368 for a family, and $564 for a local resident (USD).

### What is the nearest airport to Wonsan?

The nearest airport to Wonsan is Wonsan Kalma International Airport.

### What is the internet speed in Wonsan?

Wonsan has an average internet speed of 2 Mbps.

### What currency does Wonsan use?

The currency used in Wonsan is North Korean won (KPW).

### What language is spoken in Wonsan?

The primary language spoken in Wonsan is Korean.

### What time zone is Wonsan in?

Wonsan is in the Asia/Pyongyang time zone.

## More from Wanderlust

- Full guide with photos, maps and reviews: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/wonsan-north-korea
- Plan a trip to Wonsan: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/create-a-journey?destination=Wonsan
- This city's data as JSON: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/api/public/v1/cities/wonsan-north-korea

Scores are Wanderlust's own, from AI-assisted research refreshed on a rolling basis.
Cite as: Wanderlust App, "Wonsan, North Korea travel guide", https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/wonsan-north-korea