North Korea opens up to tourists again

After five years of covid-closure, it seems that North Korea is now opening up to tourists again. This is reported by two travel organizers, specialized in trips to the closed country.

» Updated:

» Published:

North Korea opens up to tourists again
Photo: AP/TT

Share this article

The Beijing-based travel company Koryo Tours states on its website that tourists will start being let in from December.

"We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and potentially the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024", the company writes.

Another China-based tour operator reports the same.

"So far, only Samjiyon has been officially confirmed, but we believe that Pyongyang and other places will also open", writes KGT Tours on its social media.

Samjiyon, located near North Korea's mountainous northern border with China, is the closest city to Mount Paektu – where the country's deceased leader Kim Jong-Il is said to have been born, according to North Korea's official historiography. His son and successor Kim Jong-Un has invested enormous resources in developing the area with apartment complexes, hotels, and a ski resort.

North Korea closed its borders in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the borders have been closed to foreign tourists – except for a small group of Russian tourists in February this year.

Even before the pandemic, tourism to the closed country was limited. According to travel companies, around 5,000 Western tourists visited the country each year.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Intense Bombings in Gaza Leave at Least 50 Dead

Intense Bombings in Gaza Leave at Least 50 Dead

Over 100 Dead in Congo-Kinshasa Boat Accident

Over 100 Dead in Congo-Kinshasa Boat Accident

Charlie Kirk Murder: Key Details and Suspect Arrested

Charlie Kirk Murder: Key Details and Suspect Arrested

Germany, France, UK Urge Israel to Halt Gaza Offensive

Germany, France, UK Urge Israel to Halt Gaza Offensive

USA Reviews Vaccine Recommendations Amid Controversial Child Death Data

USA Reviews Vaccine Recommendations Amid Controversial Child Death Data

European Nations Summon Russian Ambassadors Over Polish Airspace Violation

European Nations Summon Russian Ambassadors Over Polish Airspace Violation

Zelenskyj Offers Citizenship to US Envoy Kellogg During Kyiv Visit

Zelenskyj Offers Citizenship to US Envoy Kellogg During Kyiv Visit

Nato Boosts Eastern Europe Defense After Russian Drone Incursion

Nato Boosts Eastern Europe Defense After Russian Drone Incursion

Erna Solberg to Resign as Høyre Leader After Election Setback

Erna Solberg to Resign as Høyre Leader After Election Setback

Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Nuclear Plant Thwarted

Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Nuclear Plant Thwarted

Trump Considers Military Deployment to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Considers Military Deployment to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

US Ordered Destruction of Millions in Birth Control Pills, Report Says

US Ordered Destruction of Millions in Birth Control Pills, Report Says

Two Injured in Knife Attack Near Jerusalem Hotel

Two Injured in Knife Attack Near Jerusalem Hotel

US Politicians Heighten Security After Charlie Kirk's Murder

US Politicians Heighten Security After Charlie Kirk's Murder

Kremlin Confirms Pause in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

Kremlin Confirms Pause in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia for Another Six Months

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia for Another Six Months

161 Suspected IS Members Arrested Across Turkey

161 Suspected IS Members Arrested Across Turkey

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland