On the 15th, North Korea's labor newspaper reported that Wang Yajuan, the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea, visited the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist district for the first time. This marks the first visit by a Chinese official to the area since its official opening on July 1st of last year. Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, has described the Wonsan Kalma project as the beginning of a new era for the country's tourism industry, expressing intentions to develop it into a world-class coastal tourist city. With the Chinese ambassador’s visit, there is speculation that tourism from China may finally commence in the Wonsan Kalma area, as previous tourism activity was only initiated with Russian visitors after the site's opening.

The state-run newspaper further reported a friendly gathering for members of the Chinese embassy in North Korea at Wonsan Kalma, held on the 14th, which was attended by North Korean officials including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Park Myung-ho. The event underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, as it coincides with several high-profile meetings involving the Chinese ambassador, including a Lunar New Year banquet on the 12th in Pyongyang that was also attended by prominent North Korean leaders. These events suggest an eagerness to strengthen diplomatic and tourism relations, hinting at potential future visits from Chinese tourists.

As North Korea seeks to rejuvenate its tourism sector amid ongoing economic challenges, the role of China as a significant partner becomes crucial. The Wonsan Kalma project is pivotal for the country's strategy to attract foreign visitors, and Wang's visit signals a possible opening of the borders to Chinese tourists, which could significantly benefit the local economy. Observers are keenly watching how this diplomatic interaction could shape the future of North Korean tourism and international relations with China, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase.