Kim Jong Un's Luxury Yacht Spotted Near North Korean Retreat

Satellite images analyzed by the BBC have revealed a striking display of luxury near the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summer retreat: an 80-meter (263 ft) vessel equipped with a 50-meter swimming pool and water slides. The vessel was observed off the coast of Wonsan, a seaside resort town frequented by Kim and his family, from July to mid-October.

The yacht, which had been docked for maintenance, was moved to its current location in early July. It is situated near the Kalma Peninsula, close to Kim Jong Un's villa. The presence of such a vessel, along with several other large boats also seen near the retreat, strongly suggests their use by the North Korean elite, as former officials and experts note that owning or freely using such sizable craft would be virtually impossible for anyone not connected to the country's leadership.

One former official from the Workers' Party's Office 39, believed to manage foreign currency for the regime, stated that these vessels are brought out for recreation during the summer months. This opulent lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the dire economic situation faced by the majority of North Koreans. The United Nations classifies North Korea as one of the world's poorest countries, with widespread human rights violations, systematic forced labor, and chronic food shortages affecting an estimated 40% of the population.

While the exact cost of these vessels is unknown, comparable luxury yachts can range from tens of millions to over $100 million. Kim Jong Un's previously known smaller yacht, a 29-meter Princess, was estimated to be worth around $7 million.

The BBC's analysis identified four large vessels near Wonsan, measuring approximately 50m, 55m, 60m, and 80m in length. The largest, the 80m yacht with the pool and slides, has been a consistent presence off the Kalma Peninsula since July. Historical satellite imagery also indicates the presence of a similar large vessel in Wonsan in 2002, during the rule of Kim Jong Il, suggesting a long-standing pattern of luxury sea-based recreation for the leadership.

Two other vessels, measuring 50m and 55m, were observed near Tae and Sin islands, secluded areas south of Wonsan, until the end of August. The 60m vessel was frequently seen near Kim's Wonsan villa up until recently. Satellite imagery expert Jeong Seong-hak noted that smaller boats were used to ferry supplies and personnel to the larger vessels, particularly near islands that offer privacy.

For most North Koreans, holidays and leisure activities are largely out of reach. While workers are legally entitled to annual leave, its enforcement is rare, and travel outside one's city or county requires official permission. This restricted mobility further highlights the vast disparity between the lives of ordinary citizens and the country's ruling elite.

North Korean state media typically frames Kim Jong Un's activities as official inspections rather than holidays. However, defectors report that Wonsan has long served as a retreat for the elite. The Wonsan Kalma resort, opened in July 2025, has hosted small groups of Russian tourists, but the luxury enjoyed by the Kim family remains unattainable for the vast majority of the population.