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North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists later this year, following a four-year closure imposed due to stringent COVID-19 restrictions. Tour companies have indicated that the northeastern city of Samjiyon, along with potentially the rest of the country, will soon be accessible to foreign visitors.
Limited Access to North Korea Since 2020
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, North Korea had closed its borders to nearly all international tourists as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. During this period, only a select group of private Russian tourists were granted entry, with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the country in June 2024.
North Korea Tourism Resumes in December
Beijing-based travel agency Koryo Tours has expressed excitement about the reopening, stating that tour itineraries will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The agency anticipates that international tourism to Samjiyon will officially resume in December 2024.
Samjiyon: A “Socialist Utopia” in the Making
Samjiyon, a city located near the Chinese border, has been a significant focus of North Korea’s development efforts. The government has undertaken extensive construction projects in the city, including new apartments, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to create what North Korea describes as a “highly-civilised mountain city” or “socialist utopia.”
Mixed Reviews from Early Visitors to North Korea
Despite the ambitious development projects, early glimpses into the country from a group of around 100 Russian tourists in February 2024 suggest that the actual tourist experience may not fully align with official portrayals. The visitors, who each paid $750 for a four-day trip, reported traveling on an old plane with a “mothball” smell and being accompanied by personal guides during their visit to the ski resort.
Looking Ahead
As North Korea prepares to reopen its doors to the international community, many are eager to see how the reclusive nation will present itself to tourists in this new phase of its tourism industry.