The Resumption of International Tourism in North Korea

After a long ban on international tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is set to resume welcoming travelers this winter. The government has revealed plans to allow travel to certain locations, including the city of Samjiyon. This move could be a significant step towards economic recovery for North Korea, as tourism has been a major source of revenue for the country in the past.

Tourism Reopening Plans

Travel companies like KTG and Koryo Tours, renowned for organizing trips to North Korea, have received information from their partners in the country regarding the upcoming reopening of tourism. The city of Samjiyon is expected to be open to travelers by December, with the possibility of other areas following suit. Koryo Tours expressed their excitement about this announcement after waiting for over four years.

North Korea has been diligently working on developing tourism facilities in Samjiyon, a mountainous city located near the Chinese border. This city has been endorsed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “model of highly-civilised mountain city,” featuring new hotels, attractions, and even a ski resort. Additionally, a major tourism site is under construction on the country’s east coast.

Revenue and Economic Recovery

The reopening of tourism in North Korea is seen as a strategic move to attract Chinese travelers, who made up the majority of international tourists before the pandemic. In 2019, a record-breaking 350,000 Chinese tourists visited North Korea, contributing significantly to the country’s revenue. The influx of tourists could help North Korea in its economic recovery after the challenging times brought about by the global pandemic.

Despite the reopening of tourism, there are still restrictions in place for certain nationalities. Citizens of the Republic of Korea are not permitted to travel to North Korea as tourists. Additionally, the U.S. government strongly advises against travel to the country, stating that U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially validated by the Department of State.

The resumption of international tourism in North Korea is a promising development that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economy. With the reopening of Samjiyon and potential further locations, North Korea is positioning itself to welcome back tourists and benefit from the revenue generated by the industry. However, it is crucial for travelers to be aware of any restrictions or advisories in place before planning a trip to North Korea.