In a surprising twist of events, a handful of foreign travelers have recently ventured into North Korea, a rare sight given the country’s isolation from the international community for the past five years. These travelers, hailing from various countries, were welcomed on a five-day expedition to the northeastern city of Rason, organized by Koryo Tours, intensifying speculations about North Korea’s intent to revive its tourism sector to bolster its ailing economy.
The trip, held from February 20 to February 24, saw tourists from the U.K., Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy crossing over from China to explore the hidden marvels of Rason. The visitors delved into a diverse array of sites in the city, ranging from factories and shops to schools and monumental statues of North Korea’s iconic leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
Following the unprecedented shutdown of its borders to international tourists in January 2020 due to the global pandemic, North Korea has gradually opened up, signaling a potential resurgence in tourism activities. An initial influx of Russian tourists in February 2024 kickstarted the trend, surprising many who anticipated Chinese travelers to be the first to journey into the hermit kingdom. While Russian tourism flourished throughout 2024, Chinese tours have remained suspended.
As international interest in North Korea’s unique landscape grows, the country is making strategic moves to attract visitors, eyeing a grand unveiling of a monumental tourism site on its eastern coast later this year. Despite the allure of North Korea’s untapped potential for international tourists, lingering restrictions and regulations could impede its progress towards becoming a tourism hotspot.
The road ahead for North Korea’s tourism industry hinges on its ability to allure back Chinese tourists, who constituted a significant portion of its previous tourism inflow before the pandemic. With plans in motion to unveil new tourism sites and attract a broad spectrum of global visitors, North Korea is gearing up for a potential renaissance in its tourism sector.
As North Korea navigates through uncharted waters in its pursuit of tourism revival, the landscape hints at not only economic revitalization but also a window into the enigmatic world that lies within its borders. The journey has just begun, and the future of North Korea’s tourism industry holds the promise of unlocking new horizons for both the country and the curious souls eager to explore its mysteries.
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