North Korea to Resume Tourism After Five-Year Hiatus
North Korea will open its doors to foreign tourists in December for the first time in nearly five years, focusing initially on the city of Samjiyon. This announcement comes after an extended period of border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020.
Tour operators based in China, such as Shenyang’s KTG Tours and Beijing’s Koryo Tours, have confirmed that visitors will be allowed into Samjiyon, a mountainous city in the northern region. Koryo Tours has hinted that additional destinations, including Pyongyang, might also become accessible.
The pandemic-induced border restrictions not only isolated North Korea but also contributed to significant food shortages exacerbated by international sanctions related to its nuclear program. Despite the planned reopening, the U.S. continues to prohibit its citizens from traveling to North Korea.
Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, remains skeptical about the reopening, expressing doubts about whether the promised tourism resumption will materialize in December.
Recent developments in Samjiyon include a major redevelopment effort. Plans, revealed by Kim Jong Un in July, involve upgrading the city’s airport, transforming a military ski base into a resort, and building new railways and hotels. The North Korean leader has indicated that the focus will be on attracting visitors from “friendly” nations.
However, O’Carroll notes that the redevelopment is still incomplete and predicts that initial tourist numbers will likely be limited to Russians and possibly Chinese, unless North Korea establishes direct flights to neutral countries like Mongolia.
Samjiyon, located at the base of Mount Paektu near the China-North Korea border, is known for its winter tourism appeal. State media have highlighted the mountain’s historical significance, including its role in North Korea’s revolutionary history.
North Korea has been allowing Russian tourists since early 2024 and only re-opened its borders to its own citizens in August 2023.