After nearly four years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is preparing to cautiously welcome back foreign visitors. This marks a significant shift in the country’s strict border policy. It raises questions about potential implications and the future of tourism in the hermit kingdom.
In good news for travel enthusiasts, North Korea is set to welcome its first group of tourists since 2020. The reclusive nation, known for imposing strict border controls during the COVID-19 pandemic, has decided to allow tourists again.
The first tourists permitted entry is reportedly a small group from Russia, arriving sometime in January 2024. This information comes from both Russian provincial authorities and a Western tour guide. Suggesting a potential easing of restrictions for specific nationalities or travel agencies.
The trip, organized by a Vladivostok-based agency, was arranged during talks in December when the governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai, a region bordering North Korea, visited Pyongyang. The four-day tour is scheduled to depart on February 9. It covers stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort, as mentioned in the online itinerary.
Nevertheless, the fact that North Korea is allowing tourists after a hiatus of over four years is considered a step forward.
Start Of A New Political Relationship
The timing of this move coincides with North Korea’s recent diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with Russia. Particularly following a summit between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin in September 2023. Allowing Russian tourists first could be seen as a gesture of goodwill or part of a broader strategic partnership.
It’s noteworthy that tourism is generally unaffected by UN Security Council resolutions that impose restrictions on business dealings with North Korea due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Before the pandemic, the country experienced a surge in Chinese tourists in 2019, potentially providing significant revenue despite international sanctions. This recent move to allow Russian tourists could signal a positive shift in North Korea’s approach to tourism.
It’s important to remember that tourism in North Korea has always been a tightly controlled affair. Visitors are typically restricted to specific itineraries and have limited interaction with locals. Even with the easing of restrictions, it’s unlikely that North Korea will suddenly become a free-wheeling travel destination.
