Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has shuttered their country to all tourism in an effort to contain the virus. Recently, however, it has been revealed that the self-isolated country is now set to reopen its doors.
According to Chinese-based tourism agencies Koryo Tours and KTG Tours, they have published updates to their websites stating that visitors can now book tickets for tour groups heading into the mountain city of Samjiyon. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the country is “likely” to be re-open in December 2024.
“Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again,” said Koryo Tours in their website statement. They also state that since they began operation 30 years ago, they have never experienced such a long closure of North Korea’s borders.
Samjiyon borders very close to China and is the site of an active volcano, Mount Paektu — highlighting a significant historical area to the Korean people. Due to its close proximity to China, it is a very popular tourist spot for the Chinese people. The city itself is being built as a “model” as a new yet similar face of the country, with new apartments, ski resorts, hotels, and new commercial and medical buildings. These renovations combined with being a significant cultural zone give the city the appeal it needs to be at the forefront of tourism in the country.
It wasn’t until last year that small-scale international flights resumed, with a select amount of Russian tourists flying in for a private tour on the back of the two countries renewing their ties.
While North Korea is re-opening tourism, it is currently limited. They are prioritizing tourists from “friendly” countries such as Russia and China, with nationals from other regions of the world being considered at a later date.
US Passports are outright banned from entering North Korea unless validated by the US State Department.
