North Korea reopens after COVID-19 hiatus; will tourists visit?
North Korea plans to reopen to international tourists by the year's end, according to travel agencies. However, experts caution that this long-anticipated move could be hindered by political tensions and harsh winter conditions. The country closed its borders in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 outbreak, fearing the virus would overwhelm its vulnerable healthcare system. This closure severely impacted trade with China and cut off valuable tourism revenue, while leader Kim Jong-un reportedly isolated at his coastal retreat.
Tour companies welcome move
While North Korea reopened international flights last year—allowing around 100 Russian tourists to join a private tour in February—the country largely remains off-limits to outsiders. Tour companies have welcomed the recent move to reopen, but experts warn that restarting tourism after nearly five years of pandemic-induced isolation could face challenges. Although North Korean state media has not confirmed the reopening, Kim has expressed a personal interest in enhancing tourism infrastructure and welcoming visitors from "friendly" nations like China and Russia.
North Korea's tourism focus on Samjiyon city
The first wave of tourists is expected to be directed to Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border. North Korea describes this location as a "socialist utopia" and "a model of highly civilized mountain city." The city is home to new apartments, hotels, and a ski resort. It also serves as an entry point to Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the peninsula and considered the mythical birthplace of a united Korean people.
Westerners remain wary
Despite concerns about the remote location and harsh winter conditions in Samjiyon, travel industry officials anticipate that the initial wave of tourism will be dominated by Chinese nationals and Russians. This expectation aligns with recent political developments involving North Korean leader Kim's meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, some experts have expressed doubts about Westerners's willingness to visit due to North Korea's increasingly aggressive stance in recent years.
North Korea's tourism potential, challenges
Before the pandemic, China was a significant source of tourists for North Korea, with Chinese nationals accounting for about 90% of its tourist arrivals. In 2019, a record 300,000 foreign tourists visited the country, generating between $90 million and $150 million in revenue. However, reports suggest, recent political tensions between China and North Korea over the latter's supply of weapons to Russian forces in Ukraine could potentially affect future tourist numbers from China.
