North Korea to reopen for tourism after five years
North Korea to reopen for tourism after five years
The Facts
After nearly five years of border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea will gradually resume tourism. Foreign tourists will have the opportunity to visit Samjiyon in December, as reported by two China-based travel companies on Wednesday.
North Korea’s restrictions started to ease up in the middle of last year. The closure of borders also caused a halt in imports, resulting in food shortages worsened by international sanctions linked to the country’s nuclear program.
The Spin
Although no official statement has confirmed the plan that North Korea will open up to foreign visitors by the end of the year, the information is consistent with Pyongyang's aspirations. State media said in July that initiatives are underway to relaunch international tourism, primarily from "friendly" nations. In a recent visit to Samjiyon, Kim Jong Un outlined plans for the reconstruction of the airport, turning a military ski base into a ski resort, and building railways, hotels and other amenities.
ThereWe should approach any news from North Korea with caution. Despite Pyongyang's lofty ambitions, the reality is athat 6%it chancelacks therethe willfunds beto acomplete majorall famineof inits Northtourist Koreaprojects. beforeDecember 2025isn't far away, accordingand it's unlikely that Samjiyon is ready to welcome tourists in any larger numbers. At the Metaculusoutset, predictionit communityis probable that only a few Russian and Chinese tourists will make it there.
