North Korea’s tourism industry, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to fully resume operations soon.
Koryo Tours, a Chinese travel agency specializing in North Korea tours, announced on its website on August 14 that it had been informed by North Korean officials that tourism would be open to “all nationalities” starting in December this year.
According to the announcement, tours to Samjiyon will be permitted first in December, with other regions to follow in phases. Koryo Tours added that North Korea is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.
Samjiyon, located near Mount Paektu, was recently visited by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who highlighted plans to boost international tourism. During his visit, Kim stated, “The Mount Paektu tourism and cultural district, which will undoubtedly be unveiled in the near future, will certainly be an attractive destination for our friendly foreign guests.”
[North Korea reopens train tourism with Russia post-COVID]
Since last year, North Korea has partially reopened its borders, allowing group tours exclusively for Russian tourists. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, North Korea had closed its borders at the end of January 2020, halting all tourism and human exchanges.
BY EUNBIN KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.eunbin@joongang.co.kr]
