Beijing, August 15, 2024 (FinanceFlashNews) — North Korea is preparing to welcome international tourists once again this winter, bringing an end to the travel restrictions that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to tour operators with expertise in North Korean travel.
Reopening Planned for December
Tour operators KTG and Koryo Tours announced that North Korean officials have communicated plans to allow foreign visitors to specific locations within the country. Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border, will be among the first destinations open to tourists, with trips expected to be available by December. Additional regions might also be made accessible in the near future.
“We’ve waited over four years to share this news, and we’re thrilled to see North Korean tourism opening up again,” Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based tour operator, said in a statement.
North Korea’s Careful Approach to Reopening
Since early 2020, North Korea has been largely closed to foreign visitors, with a limited resumption of international flights taking place last year. A small group of Russian tourists reportedly visited the country in February, indicating a cautious move toward reopening.
During the closure, North Korea has focused on enhancing its tourism infrastructure, particularly in Samjiyon. The city has been described by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “a model of highly-civilized mountain city,” featuring new hotels, attractions, and a ski resort, according to state media. The country is also developing another significant tourist site on its eastern coast.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The reopening of North Korean tourism is seen as a crucial step in the country’s economic recovery efforts following the severe impact of the global pandemic. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up the majority of visitors, with 350,000 Chinese tourists visiting in 2019 alone, providing a significant revenue stream for Pyongyang, according to NK News.
Koryo Tours indicates that introductory tours to North Korea typically range between 600 and 1,500 euros per person, depending on the point of departure, duration, group size, and accommodation.
Restrictions Remain for Some Nationalities
While North Korea’s tourism sector is gearing up for a revival, travel restrictions persist for certain nationalities. South Korean citizens are still prohibited from entering North Korea as tourists. Additionally, the U.S. government continues to maintain a strong advisory against travel to North Korea, with U.S. passports being invalid for travel to, in, or through the country unless specially validated by the Department of State.
The reopening of Samjiyon is likely aimed at attracting Chinese tourists, who were the predominant group of international visitors before the pandemic, signaling a potential cautious revival of North Korea’s tourism industry.
