Friday, August 16, 2024 North Korea cautiously reopens to tourism, emphasizing strategic entry for select nations, marking a key moment in its post-pandemic recovery. Nearly five years after closing its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is set to welcome international tourists again, beginning in December 2024. This reopening marks a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism industry, which has been dormant since early 2020.
However, the process is accompanied by specific restrictions and strategic considerations. The initial phase of the reopening will center on the Samjiyon region, an area near Mount Paektu, renowned for its historical and symbolic importance in North Korean culture. During the closure, Samjiyon underwent significant redevelopment, transforming it into a premier destination for tourists interested in exploring North Korea’s revolutionary heritage.
It’s important to understand that this reopening is selective. North Korea has made it clear that the focus will be on welcoming tourists from “friendly” nations, with an emphasis on Chinese and Russian visitors being among the first allowed entry. This approach aligns with North Korea’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen relations with allied countries while continuing to restrict access for Western visitors.
Chinese tour operators have already begun preparations to facilitate travel to North Korea, particularly targeting the winter tourism season. These steps hint at a potential .