In a significant development, North Korea has reopened its borders to international tourists for the first time in five years, allowing a group of 13 travelers from various countries, including the UK, to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone from February 20 to 24, 2025.
What Happened?
After closing its borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has begun to ease restrictions. The recent tour, organized by Beijing-based Koryo Tours, included visitors from the UK, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy. The group crossed into North Korea by land from China and visited factories, shops, schools, and monuments in Rason.
Why It’s Important
The reopening of North Korea to foreign tourists marks a potential revival of its tourism industry, which is a vital source of foreign currency for the nation’s struggling economy. Before the pandemic, tourism was one of the few legitimate means for North Korea to earn foreign income, especially from Chinese tourists who accounted for over 90% of visitors. The recent tour indicates a possible shift towards normalizing international tourism and improving economic conditions.
What Experts Say
Simon Cockerell, General Manager of Koryo Tours, expressed optimism about the reopening, stating, “Since January of 2020, the country has been closed to all international tourists, and we are glad to have finally found an opening in the Rason area, in the far north of … .” He added that more group and private visits are being arranged following the successful tour.
What’s Next
North Korea is expected to continue easing travel restrictions, potentially opening other regions to international tourists. The success of these initial tours may lead to increased tourism activities, contributing to the country’s economic recovery. However, stringent regulations on travelers, such as mandatory guides and restricted photography, may still pose challenges for the tourism industry’s growth.
Conclusion
The recent reopening of North Korea’s borders to international tourists signifies a cautious step towards reviving its tourism sector and economy. As the situation evolves, potential travelers and businesses should stay informed about the latest developments and prepare for possible opportunities or challenges in engaging with North Korea’s tourism industry.