Monday, January 20, 2025 North Korea has reopened its northeastern border city of Rason to foreign tourists , marking a significant step in the country’s gradual reopening following a five-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made by international tour operators with connections in China and Europe, signaling the first opportunity for tourism in the region since early 2020. According to a statement from Young Pioneer Tours , the reopening of Rason, a special economic zone (SEZ) near the borders of China and Russia, is effective immediately for both Chinese and other foreign visitors.
The travel company noted that the decision is part of North Korea’s broader plan to resume limited tourism activities. Government Measures and Current Scope North Korea initially closed its borders in early 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The government has since reopened its borders to certain trade activities and official delegations.
Last year, Russian tourists were also permitted entry for the first time since the pandemic. While Rason is now accessible to tourists, the rest of North Korea remains closed to foreign travelers. Beijing-based Koryo Tours confirmed the reopening but added that it has yet to receive detailed information about tour itineraries, prices, or the specific types of visits permitted by Pyongyang.
Rason, North Korea’s first SEZ established in 1991, has long been a testing ground for new economic policies. It is unique within the co.
