North Korea Set to Reopen Border City to Tourists After 5 Years

Tourists will soon find opportunities to visit North Korea again. The Hermit Kingdom plans to reopen the city of Samjiyon to foreign visitors, marking a significant change after nearly five years of border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two tour operators based in China report that trips to the northern mountainous region will commence in December.

Since early 2020, North Korea has maintained strict lockdown measures, isolating itself from the global community. However, in mid-2023, the country began to ease some of these restrictions. As the tourism sector shows signs of revival, KTG Tours posted on Facebook that so far, only Samjiyon has been confirmed for reopening; however, they anticipate that Pyongyang and other areas might follow suit.

KTG Tours further explained that while December has been indicated as a target for reopening, specific dates remain unverified, leaving travelers in suspense. In a statement reflecting the long wait for this announcement, Koryo Tours expressed excitement about resuming travel to North Korea after over four years of closure.

Koryo Tours has confirmed that tourists from most countries, with the exception of South Korea, will be able to participate in their organized trips. However, it’s important to note that U.S. citizens are still prohibited from traveling to North Korea under current regulations. Despite these restrictions, international flights entered and exited North Korea last year, and in February, a small group of Russian tourists successfully undertook a private tour within the country. This follows an uptick in visits from notable foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who visited North Korea in June, reflecting strengthening ties between the two nations.

Samjiyon is located near the Chinese border and has been designated by North Korea as a site for a “socialist utopia.” The city is in the process of being redeveloped to feature modern apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. Such developments signal North Korea’s intentions to bolster its tourism sector and enhance the area’s appeal to visitors.

Despite the optimistic announcements regarding reopening tourism in North Korea, skepticism remains. Chad O’Carroll, CEO of the Korea Risk Group, has expressed doubt about the reopening, stating, “I will believe it when I see it.” His sentiment underscores a cautious outlook regarding the country’s capacity to follow through with its plans this December.

This situation continues to develop as more details about the reopening emerge. The tourism sector’s revival could provide an economic boost for North Korea, which has faced numerous challenges during the pandemic. Whether these plans will materialize remains to be seen, but the expectation of welcoming tourists back symbolizes a potential shift in North Korea’s approach to international engagement post-COVID-19.

As excited travelers await updates and confirmations, the reopening of Samjiyon stands as a notable event marking North Korea’s gradual return to tourism. While hopes are high, the actual implementation of these plans will determine if the Hermit Kingdom can indeed re-establish itself as a destination for adventurous tourists.

Source: BBC News