Satellite images reveal luxury yacht near North Korean leader's coastal residence

New satellite imagery analyzed by the BBC has identified a massive 80-meter luxury vessel stationed near Wonsan, a coastal region in North Korea known to house one of Kim Jong Un's primary vacation residences. Observed repeatedly between July and mid-October 2026, the vessel features a 50-meter swimming pool and water slides, resembling a floating resort rather than a conventional private yacht. While reports suggest the presence of up to four such craft, the 80-meter ship has drawn the most attention for its elaborate leisure facilities.

Wonsan has long served as a recreational hub for the North Korean political elite and the Kim family. The appearance of such extreme opulence, which is linked by observers to the leadership, stands in stark contrast to the living conditions of the general North Korean population. Although the vessels have been monitored for months in waters adjacent to the leader's estate, there has been no official confirmation regarding their ownership or the specific purpose of their extended presence in the region.