After nearly five years, North Korea will be partially resuming international tourism, with tours set to resume in December of this year, according to tourism agency Koryo Tours. The reopening will initially be limited to the North Korean city of Samjiyon, but may potentially be extended to other locations in the future. Koryo Tours expressed excitement for the resumption of North Korean tourism, citing the development of Samjiyon as a tourist destination as one of the reasons for choosing it as the first location for tours.
The Hermit Kingdom closed its borders at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, prohibiting almost all outsiders from entering the country for various reasons. The country began partially re-opening its borders last year, but has faced challenges in fully opening due to resource and infrastructure constraints. North Korea struggled to effectively combat the outbreak within its borders during the pandemic. The decision to resume international tourism comes as a step towards reopening the country to the outside world, after several years of isolation and restrictions on entry.
Koryo Tours stated that their North Korean partners will provide further details on the itinerary and dates for the tours in the coming weeks, with information to be made available for booking on their website once finalized. The agency highlighted the importance of this announcement, marking the return of North Korean tourism after a significant hiatus. The reopening of tourism to North Korea signifies a potential shift in the country’s approach to engaging with the outside world, as it emerges from the challenges posed by the pandemic and seeks to reestablish connections with international visitors.
North Korean Olympic athletes were reportedly denied gifts from Samsung that were given to every other team, highlighting the isolated and secretive nature of the country. The resumption of international tourism offers an opportunity for outsiders to gain insight into North Korean culture and society, albeit within the limits imposed by the regime. As North Korea gradually reopens to the world, visitors may have the chance to experience unique destinations like Samjiyon and engage with the local population, providing a glimpse into a society that has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation.
The partial reopening of North Korean tourism signals a potential shift in the country’s approach to international engagement, as it seeks to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world. With tours initially focused on Samjiyon, a city recently developed as a tourist destination, visitors can expect to explore unique cultural and historical sites in North Korea. As the country takes steps towards reopening its borders, the resumption of international tourism offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience the hermit kingdom and engage with its people, providing a window into a society that has long been isolated from the rest of the world.
