North Korea Finally Opens its Doors to Tourists

By: A.C. Estefan 

After almost five years with closed borders, North Korea is reopening its doors to international tourism, marking a significant shift in the country’s post-pandemic strategy.
Samjiyon, a city in the hills of Mount Paektu near the border with China and known for its significance in the country’s history and association with the Kim dynasty, will be the first area to open for visitors in December 2024. The city is being prepared for this grand opening with new hotels, a ski resort, and other tourist facilities.
North Korea is one of the last countries in the world to maintain a complete lockdown after the Covid pandemic. The borders were sealed in January 2020, and restrictions have remained very strict until now, with limited diplomatic and trade activities resumed only last year.
The China-based operators, Koryo Tours and KTG Tours, confirmed that only Samjiyon will be opening for tourism. However, there is the possibility that others will soon follow suit, including the capital Pyongyang. While some are excited about the opening, others have remained cautious. The US State Department and other countries continue to advise against travel to North Korea due to security risks and a lack of consular support.
Nonetheless, proponents of tourism in North Korea argue that this development can be positive for the country. Simon Cockerell of Koryo Tours emphasised that tourism can help "open eyes and open minds" among North Koreans and the world, promoting a greater understanding between the isolated nation and the outside world. He also highlighted the importance of tourism as a means of economic recovery for North Korea, which has been severely impacted by international sanctions and the long-standing closure of its borders.
Tourism was a growing industry before the pandemic, attracting thousands of tourists, mainly from China. They hope, therefore, to regain and expand the tourism sector with the reopening, acting as an economic boost.
The path forward will be paved with challenges. The international community remains sceptical about travelling to North Korea, and potential tourists will have to weigh the risks carefully before embarking on a journey to this isolated country. The success of this reopening will largely depend on the country’s ability to offer safety and security together with a welcoming environment for international visitors.