North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists in December, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon.
This move signals the country's preparation to welcome larger groups of foreign visitors after years of strict border closures due to COVID-19.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on its website that they received confirmation from their local partner regarding the resumption of tourism to Samjiyon and potentially other parts of North Korea in December 2024. This reopening marks a significant step as North Korea gradually eases its stringent pandemic-related restrictions.
While international flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and a small group of Russian tourists was allowed to visit on a private tour in February, the country has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. However, top foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have made visits to North Korea recently.
Koryo Tours expressed excitement about the reopening of North Korean tourism, noting that they have waited over four years to make this announcement. The company also mentioned that their local partner would soon confirm specific itineraries and dates for upcoming tours, reported Reuters.
Samjiyon, located near the Chinese border, has been a focus of North Korea's development efforts, with the government working to transform it into a "socialist utopia." The city features new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. However, in July, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized and demoted some senior officials for their mishandling of the Samjiyon project.