Luxury Yacht Spotted Off North Korea's Wonsan Coast

A luxury yacht has been spotted in satellite images off North Korea's Wonsan coast from July to mid-October this year. The vessel measures 80m (263ft) in length and has been seen near a strip of coastline known as the Kalma Peninsula.

The yacht appears to have a 50m swimming pool along its deck, accompanied by a cluster of waterslides at one end. This luxury feature suggests that the boat is intended for recreational use by high-ranking officials or their families.

In early July, the yacht was relocated from a maintenance facility to its current location off the Kalma Peninsula, near Wonsan. A seaside resort with a sprawling villa used by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his family, Wonsan is also close to where several other large vessels have been spotted in satellite images.

These vessels, which are believed to be used by Kim and his family, were seen repeatedly near the leader's villa over the summer months. According to former North Korean officials and defectors, it would be nearly impossible for anyone outside of the regime's leadership to own or freely use boats of this size.

The secretive nature of North Korea's leadership makes it difficult to estimate their wealth, which is likely substantial given the country's large military budget and sanctioned nuclear program. The United Nations estimates that most North Koreans live in poverty, with widespread human rights violations, forced labor, and chronic food shortages affecting an estimated 40% of the population.

This stark contrast between the regime's opulence and the general public's struggle to survive has been well-documented. Luxury items such as high-end yachts have previously been linked to North Korea's elite, including Kim Jong Un, whose own 29-meter Princess yacht was estimated to be worth around $7 million. Comparable luxury vessels can cost tens of millions or even over $100 million.

The recent satellite imagery showing a large boat with an impressive pool and water slides near Kim's summer retreat suggests that the regime continues to indulge in lavish spending despite international sanctions. While we don't know the exact cost of these vessels, their presence raises questions about how North Korea's leadership manages to accumulate such wealth while its people suffer.

The movements of these luxury boats appear to coincide with gaps in Kim's public appearances, hinting at activities that remain out of public view. This secrecy only adds to the mystery surrounding the regime's financial dealings and the extent of their opulence.

Wonsan's significance as a family retreat for North Korea's ruling elite extends beyond Kim Jong Un's own experiences there. According to intelligence reports and biographers, it was also where his father, Kim Jong Il, spent time with the family during his rule.

Defectors who have served as guards at residences used by former leaders recall seeing the villas around Wonsan being used by the elite for relaxation purposes. One such defector described witnessing dozens of children and teens enjoying water sports on summer days. This suggests that the area has long been associated with leisure activities for those close to power.

North Korea's state media rarely acknowledges when Kim Jong Un takes a holiday, instead framing visits to the region as official duties or guidance. However, some North Koreans appear to be aware of the family's tradition of spending time in Wonsan.

State media and Russian outlets have published images of tourists visiting the Wonsan Kalma resort, which opened in July 2025. The resort is designed to attract foreign visitors but also welcomes local tourists.

The luxury boat resort near Kim Jong Un's summer retreat in Wonsan is attracting attention for its opulent amenities and frequent visits from high-profile vessels.

According to a South Korean news report, locals are being offered four-night tour packages at a relatively steep price of around $100, which is a significant sum for most North Koreans who have limited financial means.

The country's economic reality is stark, with a per capita GDP of just over $667 in 2024, compared to South Korea's significantly higher GDP of $36,227.

For the average North Korean, taking time off work or school for leisure activities is rare, and most are restricted from traveling freely outside their city or county due to strict regulations and requirements for official permission.

The resort's luxurious amenities, including a 50m pool and water slides, stand in contrast to the limited opportunities for relaxation and recreation available to the general population.

Satellite images captured two large vessels, measuring 50m and 55m, repeatedly navigating around Tae and Sin islands near Wonsan until late August.

These vessels were often accompanied by four smaller boats that appear to be ferrying people, fuel, and supplies to the larger ships. According to Jeong Seong-hak, a satellite imagery expert, such small islands offer secluded maritime retreats where individuals can maintain their privacy away from public view.

The presence of these luxury vessels near Kim's summer retreat has sparked interest in the North Korean leader's private marine activities. While the ownership of these boats remains unconfirmed by Pyongyang, historical satellite images suggest that a similar large vessel was present in Wonsan as far back as 2002.

Recent sightings of a 60m vessel around Wonsan have also raised questions about the scope and frequency of Kim's leisure activities in the area. This is particularly intriguing given the account of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who visited North Korea in 2013 and described using a large boat with similar characteristics for jet-skiing and horse riding excursions.

The revelation of a luxury boat near Kim Jong Un's summer retreat has sparked widespread outrage among North Koreans who struggle to make ends meet.

The extravagant vessel is equipped with an impressive 50-meter pool and water slides, a stark contrast to the hardships faced by ordinary citizens who often go hungry. Ri Jong Ho, a North Korean defector, expressed his frustration at Kim Jong Un's lavish lifestyle, pointing out that while the leader enjoys such luxuries, many people in the country are struggling to get one meal a day.

This glaring disparity has further eroded trust in the regime, which consistently portrays Kim Jong Un as a selfless leader who prioritizes the nation's needs above all else.