Wed Feb 26 11:09:05 UTC 2025: ## North Korea Reopens Doors to International Tourists After Five-Year Hiatus
**Seoul, South Korea –** After a five-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has quietly reopened its doors to international tourism, marking a significant shift in the reclusive nation’s policies. A group of 13 tourists from various countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, recently completed a five-day trip to the Rason special economic zone, arranged by the Beijing-based travel company Koryo Tours. This follows the entry of approximately 100 Russian tourists in February 2024, the first foreign visitors since the pandemic’s onset.
While the resumption of tourism is initially limited, experts believe it signals North Korea’s intention to fully revive its tourism sector to bolster its struggling economy. The country heavily invested in tourism infrastructure before the pandemic, and the return of foreign currency is crucial, particularly as sanctions remain in place due to its nuclear program.
The reliance on international tourism is highlighted by the fact that Chinese tourists, who previously comprised over 90% of visitors, have yet to return in significant numbers. While the relationship between North Korea and Russia has strengthened, potentially due to North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, the absence of Chinese tourists points towards strained ties between the two countries.
However, restrictions on tourist movement, such as mandatory local guides and photography limitations in certain areas, could hinder North Korea’s efforts to develop a robust and attractive tourism industry. The government is likely to focus on areas easily monitored, such as Rason, the planned east coast tourism site, and Pyongyang. The success of North Korea’s tourism revival ultimately hinges on the return of Chinese tourists and a relaxation of these limitations.
First Piper 