Satellite images reveal a large luxury yacht measuring 80 meters in length, equipped with a 50-meter swimming pool and water slides, anchored off the coast of Wonsan, North Korea, near the private vacation residence of Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea. This reflects the opulent lifestyle of the elite, sharply contrasting with the lives of most citizens in the country.
The BBC reported an analysis of satellite photos showing a large luxury yacht about 80 meters long located in the waters off Wonsan, in eastern North Korea, from July to mid-October this year. The yacht’s standout feature is a 50-meter-long swimming pool on the deck, with several water slides at the pool’s end.
The yacht remained docked at a maintenance yard for several months before moving offshore near the Kalma Peninsula in early July, close to Wonsan and the large villa where Kim Jong Un and his family spend their leisure time.
Satellite analysis also identified three other large vessels measuring approximately 50 meters, 55 meters, and 60 meters near the North Korean leader’s residence at different times this year. The 60-meter yacht was still present there last week, while the 50-meter and 55-meter vessels appeared near Tae and Sin islands until late August. Additionally, four smaller boats were seen docked beside the 50-meter yacht.
Former North Korean officials, defectors, and experts believe these vessels are for Kim Jong Un and his family since ordinary citizens without ties to the top leadership would have almost no chance of owning or using such large yachts. However, North Korea has never officially disclosed ownership of these boats, and their location alone cannot confirm the leader’s presence on board or in the vicinity.
Lee Jong-ho, a former official of the Workers' Party of Korea's Office No. 39, believed to manage foreign currency for the leadership, said these yachts are typically kept at shipyards during winter and brought out in summer around Kim Jong Un’s villa or the Kalma Peninsula for swimming and relaxation.
Although there is no confirmed price for the yacht seen in satellite images, luxury yachts of similar size and features can cost from tens of millions to over 100 million U.S. dollars, equivalent to about 3.7 billion baht or more. Kim Jong Un’s smaller "Princess" brand yacht, about 29 meters long, was previously estimated at around 7 million U.S. dollars.
Wonsan has long-standing ties to the Kim family. Biographers and intelligence reports note that Kim Jong Un spent part of his childhood there with his mother. A defector who once guarded Kim Jong Il’s residence from the 1990s to early 2000s said the villas in Wonsan were elite retreats where, in summer, dozens of children and teenagers were seen water skiing.
North Korean state media rarely report Kim Jong Un’s vacations, typically presenting such trips as official inspections or guidance visits. However, defectors interviewed by the BBC know the leader’s family spends leisure time in Wonsan, indicating some public awareness of this.
Currently, North Korea is developing Wonsan as a tourist destination. Official media say the area includes tall hotels, restaurants, shops, sports facilities, and a water park capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 visitors. The Wonsan-Kalma resort opened in July 2025, with images of Russian tourists visiting published by North Korean and Russian media.
South Korean reports citing anonymous sources indicate some North Koreans have been offered four-night tour packages costing about 100 U.S. dollars (around 3,700 baht), a high expense for most citizens. According to United Nations data, North Korea’s GDP per capita in 2024 is roughly 667 U.S. dollars, compared to South Korea’s 36,227 U.S. dollars.
A 2025 United Nations report states most North Koreans face systemic and widespread human rights violations, forced labor, and strict state control, with about 40 percent of the population suffering from malnutrition.
Defectors also revealed that although workers, office employees, and cooperative farmers are legally entitled to 14 days of annual leave, in practice they often do not receive full leave rights. Taking multiple consecutive days off for travel is unusual, and permission from authorities is required to leave one’s city or residential area.
Satellite imagery expert Chong Sung-hak noted that smaller boats may transport passengers, fuel, and supplies to the larger yachts. Small islands like Tae and Sin could serve as quiet, private seaside retreats.
Meanwhile, BBC’s review of historical satellite photos found similar large vessels in Wonsan since 2002, during Kim Jong Il’s rule. Former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman, who visited North Korea in 2013, said he spent most of his seven-day visit with Kim Jong Un in Wonsan, jet skiing and horseback riding. Rodman described a 60-meter vessel they shared as resembling a cross between a ferry and a Disney amusement park boat, though it’s unconfirmed if this is the same yacht seen in satellite images.
Lee Jong-ho concluded that the image of Kim Jong Un as a leader devoted to his people sharply conflicts with his luxurious lifestyle. He stated that while ordinary citizens struggle to have one meal a day, the leader owns four luxury yachts.
. BBC