Kim Jong Un’s Summer Retreat: Satellite Images Reveal Luxury Yacht with Pool and Water Slides

Satellite images show a luxury yacht near kim jong un's seaside villa

Recent satellite photographs taken between July and mid‑October 2026 reveal a massive 80‑metre vessel cruising close to the Kalma Peninsula, the coastal area that hosts Kim Jong Un's summer residence in Wonsan. The ship is distinguished by a 50‑metre swimming pool laid out on its deck and a series of water slides positioned at one end, suggesting a purpose built for private recreation.

Four water slides and a swimming pool – details of the vessel

Analysts note that the yacht’s pool and slide complex are unusual for a vessel of this size, indicating a level of luxury rarely associated with North Korean state assets. The water‑slide arrangement, combined with the pool, points to a design intended for extended leisure use by the leader’s family and close associates.

Kim jong un’s summer retreat in Wonsan

The yacht’s movements align with the location of Kim Jong Un’s well‑known villa on the Wonsan coastline, a site linked to the leader since his father’s era. Defectors and former officials say the area has long served as a private getaway for the regime’s elite, with reports of children waterskiing and other recreational activities during past summers.

Other large vessels observed around the resort

In addition to the 80‑metre yacht, three other sizeable vessels—measuring roughly 50, 55 and 60 metres—have been captured repeatedly near the same resort. Satellite data show these ships gathering near Tae and Sin islands until late August, then dispersing or returning to the Kalma waters. Smaller boats have also been seen accompanying the 50‑metre vessel, indicating a small fleet operating in the vicinity.

Context: elite luxury versus national hardship

While North Korea is classified by the United Nations as one of the world’s poorest nations, with a per‑capita GDP of about $667 in 2024 and widespread food insecurity, the regime’s leadership maintains access to high‑end amenities. Estimates place comparable luxury yachts in a price range from tens of millions up to more than $100 million. By contrast, Kim’s previously identified 29‑metre “Princess” yacht was valued at roughly $7 million.

Implications and unanswered questions

The presence of such vessels does not conclusively prove Kim Jong Un’s personal use, but the timing of the yacht’s deployment often coincides with gaps in his public appearances, hinting at private activities hidden from official media. State outlets typically frame any visit to Wonsan as an official inspection, avoiding acknowledgment of leisure travel.

Overall, the satellite evidence provides a rare glimpse into the opulent side of a regime that otherwise projects an image of austerity. The images underscore the disparity between the leadership’s lifestyle and the hardships faced by the majority of North Koreans.

Sources: BBC, The Telegraph, Newser.