SEOUL (Reuters) – After years of strict COVID-19 border controls, North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourism in December 2024, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon, tour companies announced on Wednesday. The move signals a significant step towards welcoming larger groups of foreign tourists, a key component in North Korea’s economic strategy.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours confirmed the news, stating on its website, “We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024.” This comes after international flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, with a small group of Russian tourists taking a private tour in February. High-profile foreign visits, including that of Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have further underscored North Korea’s gradual reopening.
Since 2020, the country has remained largely closed to international tourists. The return of tourism is being met with excitement, especially by tour operators like Koryo Tours, which had been waiting for over four years to make this announcement. The company noted that its local partner will finalize itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.
Samjiyon, located near the Chinese border, has been a focal point for North Korea’s ambitious development plans. Described as a “socialist utopia” by the state, the city has seen significant investment in new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. However, in July, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly sacked or demoted several senior officials for their “irresponsible” handling of the Samjiyon project.
KTG Tours, another agency, also confirmed that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon starting this winter. As North Korea reopens, the world watches to see how this isolated nation will balance tourism with its tight control on information and security.