Friday, August 16, 2024 As North Korea reopens its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in nearly five years, the move is expected to bolster tourism, particularly from neighboring China and Russia . The reopening of the mountainous northern city of Samjiyon in December marks a significant step in North Korea’s gradual return to international engagement following the COVID-19 pandemic. This development, however, raises critical geopolitical implications, especially considering the proximity of Samjiyon to the borders of China and Russia.
While the exact number of countries that will be able to enter North Korea without significant fear or risk has not been officially confirmed, the focus on “friendly” nations implies that tourists from the following countries may have easier access: The Ministry of Unification, Republic of Korea closely monitors inter-Korean relations and foreign policies. Their observations suggest that nations maintaining positive ties with North Korea, including some Southeast Asian countries, could also be granted easier access. However, it is important to note: North Korea’s visa policy remains strict, with entry typically requiring: Despite these stringent requirements, tourists from certain “friendly” nations may experience a more streamlined visa process.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has highlighted that the reopening of Samjiyon is part of a broader strategy to “revitalize international tourism,” particularly targeting visitors from countries with strong diplomatic ties to North Korea. According to Korea Risk Group , North Korea has primarily allowed Russian tourists since early 2024, reflecting the warming relations between the two nations. This suggests: With North Korea’s decision to reopen Samjiyon, China and Russia find themselves uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity due to their shared borders with North Korea.
Both countries can facilitate easy access to Samjiyon without the need for international border crossings. This ease of access is expected to attract a surge of tourists from these two nations, particularly as North Korea seeks to “revitalize international tourism” by targeting visitors from “friendly” nations. Samjiyon’s location at the foot of Mount Paektu, North Korea’s tallest mountain, which straddles the China-North Korea border, offers winter attractions and historical significance, making it an appealing destination for Chinese and Russian tourists.
The redevelopment of Samjiyon, including plans to rebuild its airport, convert a military ski base into a resort, and construct new railways and hotels, further enhances its appeal as a tourism hub. However, the completion of these projects remains uncertain, and the success of the reopening largely depends on the timely realization of these infrastructure improvements. The European Union (EU) has indeed tightened its stance on Russian travelers due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine should be considered as a major controversy.
The EU has fully suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which significantly increases the difficulty for Russian citizens to obtain visas to enter EU countries. This suspension, effective since September 2022, was implemented in response to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and is part of broader EU sanctions and security measures against Russia. As a result, Russian citizens now face higher visa fees, more extensive documentation requirements, and longer processing times when applying for visas to visit EU countries.
In this context, North Korea may emerge as an alternative travel destination for Russian citizens, especially given the increasing challenges of entering EU countries. With Russia and North Korea sharing a history of political alignment and now potentially offering borderless entry for Russians, this could lead to a surge in tourism from Russia to North Korea. Such developments could significantly impact the regional travel dynamics, providing North Korea with an influx of tourists that might have otherwise chosen European destinations.
This shift could also influence broader tourism trends, as Russian travelers look for accessible destinations that do not require stringent visa processes. As Europe tightens its borders, countries like North Korea may capitalize on the opportunity to attract more visitors from Russia, potentially boosting their own tourism industries while altering traditional travel routes for Russian citizens. Russian citizens can enter North Korea via a few designated routes, primarily focusing on rail and road connections.
The most significant and well-established route for ground travel is the train journey that begins in the Russian Far East, specifically from the Khasan station. This route crosses into North Korea at Tumangang, the primary entry point for rail traffic between the two countries. Before traveling, Russian citizens must obtain a visa for North Korea, which is typically issued as a tourist card or on a separate piece of paper rather than stamped in the passport.
The visa application process requires submission through North Korean diplomatic missions. The visa allows short-term stays and is required for all types of visits, whether for tourism or other purposes. The resumption of travel routes between Russia and North Korea, particularly via road and rail, is expected to boost tourism between the two countries.
This development is particularly relevant as Russian citizens face increasing restrictions on travel to the European Union due to the suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement. As a result, North Korea may become a more attractive alternative for Russian tourists, altering traditional travel patterns and potentially increasing North Korea’s tourism revenue. This situation highlights the evolving travel dynamics in the region, where geopolitical shifts influence tourism trends and bilateral relations between countries like Russia and North Korea.
Henley Passport Index Overview: According to the Henley Passport Index 2024, the Chinese passport ranks among the more powerful in the world, allowing its holders access to various countries without the need for a prior visa. However, entry into North Korea is highly restricted, with specific routes and methods necessary for travel. Traveling from China to North Korea by Road: Chinese citizens have the option to reach North Korea by road, primarily through two major border crossings: Key Considerations for Travelers: These routes offer Chinese citizens a direct connection to North Korea, facilitating easier access despite the stringent entry requirements.
This alternative becomes particularly relevant as geopolitical tensions in other regions, such as Europe, lead to increased restrictions on travel for Russian and Chinese citizens. As of the latest updates from the Henley Passport Index and official sources, North Korean passport holders have very limited visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other countries. According to the Henley Passport Index, North Korean citizens can visit only a small number of countries without requiring a visa.
North Korean passport holders can visit the following countries without a visa: Countries with visa-on-arrival access: Given the restrictions and geopolitical circumstances, North Korean passport holders face significant limitations in their ability to travel internationally without obtaining a visa in advance. This reflects the broader isolation of the country in terms of global mobility. The reopening of Samjiyon is expected to lead to a significant surge in tourism, particularly from China and Russia.
North Korea has already allowed Russian tourists to enter the country since early 2024, reflecting warming ties between the two nations. This trend is likely to continue, with the possibility of Chinese tourists following suit. The proximity of Samjiyon to both countries’ borders means that tourists can easily cross into North Korea without requiring international flights, making it a convenient and attractive destination.
While Samjiyon is currently the only city officially confirmed for reopening, there are indications that other parts of North Korea, including Pyongyang, may also open to foreign tourists. Beijing-based Koryo Tours has expressed excitement about the reopening and hinted that tourists could “potentially” visit other parts of North Korea in December. The possibility of expanded access to North Korea’s tourist destinations would further enhance the appeal of the country to Chinese and Russian tourists, potentially leading to a broader resurgence in North Korean tourism.
Recently, Hungary has come under scrutiny for continuing to issue Schengen visas to Russian citizens despite the EU’s broader stance against Russia. This move has not been well-received by other EU member states, leading to discussions about Hungary’s position within the Schengen Area. There are growing concerns that Hungary’s actions could lead to its exclusion from the Schengen Single Visa system if it continues to diverge from the EU’s collective foreign policy on Russia.
For further information on these developments, official statements can be found on the Henley Passport Index website and the European Commission’s official portals. These sources provide detailed insights into how global mobility is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions and the resulting sanctions. The reopening of North Korea to tourism, particularly from China and Russia, has broader geopolitical implications.
The move signals North Korea’s intention to strengthen ties with its neighbors while remaining cautious about expanding access to tourists from other nations. This selective approach to reopening could affect global tourism trends, particularly as travelers from other countries may face more stringent restrictions or limited access. For the global travel industry, the reopening of North Korea presents both opportunities and challenges.
Tour operators specializing in North Korean travel, such as Beijing’s Koryo Tours and Shenyang’s KTG Tours, are expected to see increased demand as the country opens its doors to foreign tourists. However, the uncertainty surrounding the completion of infrastructure projects and the potential for limited access to certain regions may pose challenges for travelers and tour operators alike. Moreover, North Korea’s decision to allow tourists from “friendly” nations, while excluding others, could influence global perceptions of the country and its tourism industry.
As North Korea seeks to rebuild its tourism sector, the emphasis on attracting visitors from China and Russia highlights the strategic importance of these relationships in the country’s broader geopolitical strategy. 1. Pyongyang: 2.
Mount Kumgang: 3. Kaesong: 4. Myohyangsan: 5.
Wonsan: North Korea’s decision to reopen Samjiyon to foreign tourists marks a significant step in the country’s post-pandemic recovery. The proximity of Samjiyon to the borders of China and Russia positions these nations as key players in the resurgence of North Korean tourism. As the country continues to rebuild and develop its tourism infrastructure, the impact on the global travel industry and international relations will be closely watched.
The coming months will reveal whether North Korea can successfully navigate the challenges of reopening while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by its strategic location and historical attractions..
