Luxury Yacht Spotted Near Kim Jong Un’s Private North Korean Retreat

Satellite images show a large, 80-meter luxury yacht near the coast of Wonsan, North Korea. This vessel features a 50-meter swimming pool and several water slides. It moved to the Kalma Peninsula area in early July.

The boat spent many months at a maintenance facility before this relocation. It now sits near a sprawling villa used by leader Kim Jong Un. The region serves as a long-time seaside getaway for his family.

Also, analysts identified three other large vessels in the same coastal waters. Experts believe these ships belong to the North Korean leadership. Ordinary citizens cannot own or operate such massive private boats.

Next, former officials explain that the regime uses these ships for summer recreation. They keep the vessels in shipyards during the cold winter months. When summer arrives, the elite move them to private villas for swimming.

Meanwhile, the United Nations classifies North Korea as one of the world's poorest nations. Many citizens face severe food shortages and constant state control. A 2025 report highlights widespread human rights issues across the country.

However, the ruling family maintains a life of extreme luxury. These yachts likely cost tens of millions of dollars each. Such spending contrasts sharply with the struggles of the average North Korean person.

After that, the regime uses these private retreats to keep the leader's activities hidden. Public reports rarely mention these vacations. Instead, state media frames such trips as official inspections or guidance visits.

Still, the reality of life for regular people remains difficult. Most workers rarely receive time off for travel. Even when they have leave, strict rules limit their ability to move between cities.

Finally, experts note that small islands near Wonsan provide extra privacy for the elite. Smaller boats often ferry supplies to these larger yachts. These vessels represent a level of wealth that remains unimaginable to most North Koreans.