After nearly five years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has announced it will reopen its borders to foreign tourists starting in December. The decision marks a significant step in the country’s cautious re-engagement with the global community. However, travel will remain restricted for South Korean citizens, and the U.S. will maintain its ban on travel to the country.
Initial Reopening Phase Focuses on Samjiyon
The first phase of the reopening will concentrate on the northern region of Samjiyon, home to Mount Paektu, an iconic and sacred site in North Korean culture. This development has sparked renewed interest from tour operators and potential visitors, particularly in China, which has historically accounted for the bulk of North Korea’s tourism.
Chinese travel agencies such as Koryo Tours and KTG Tours have been quick to respond to the news, offering packages to the newly accessible region. While there is growing optimism that other areas, including the capital Pyongyang, will soon open to tourists, official confirmation is still pending.
Chinese Tourists Lead the Charge
Before the pandemic, North Korea relied heavily on Chinese tourists, welcoming approximately 200,000 visitors from China in 2018 alone. This figure surged in 2019, with an estimated 350,000 Chinese tourists travelling to the country. Pre-pandemic travel itineraries typically included routes from the Chinese border city of Dandong by train or bus, as well as direct flights from Beijing to Pyongyang.
Popular tourist attractions included Pyongyang’s Kim Il-sung Square and the Mansudae Grand Monument, the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom, and the scenic Mount Myohyang.
Samjiyon’s Redevelopment
The reopening comes as part of broader redevelopment efforts in Samjiyon, a region undergoing major infrastructure upgrades under the direction of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Plans include the expansion of the city’s airport, the transformation of a military ski base into a resort, and the construction of new railways and hotels to cater to an influx of foreign visitors.
Exclusions and Travel Bans
Despite the general reopening, some restrictions will remain in place. Notably, South Korean citizens will be barred from visiting, and the United States will continue its long-standing ban on travel to North Korea. This cautious approach follows years of strained diplomatic relations, with economic sanctions and nuclear tensions playing a significant role.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
North Korea’s border closures since early 2020 have taken a severe toll on its economy, stalling tourism and disrupting vital imports. The country has faced food shortages and increasing economic pressure exacerbated by international sanctions. The resumption of tourism, particularly from China, could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling economy.
As North Korea cautiously opens its doors once again, the world will be watching closely to see how this move impacts its economy and diplomatic relations moving forward.
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