North Korea to Partially Reopen to Tourists After 5 Years
North Korea to reopenPartially forReopen tourismto afterTourists fiveAfter years5 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.After nearly five years of border closures due to the COVID 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.
Following stalled imports and worsening food shortages due to both border closures and international sanctions, North Korea’s restrictions started to ease up in the middle of last year.
The Spin
Although no official statement has confirmed a full reopenreopening plan, this news is consistent with Pyongyang's aspirations. StateThe mediaNorth saidtook inan Julyappropriately thatcautious initiativesapproach areto underwaymanage the pandemic but is now ready to relaunch international tourism, primarily from "friendly" nations. Kim Jong Un has also outlined plans to reconstructnreconstruct the airport, turn a military ski base into a ski resort, and build railways, hotels, and other amenities — ambitions that could see the nation become a top tourist destination.
WeAny should approach any news from North Korea should be approached with caution. In reality, it'sits goal of reinviguratingreinvigorating the tourism industry by December is likely too lofty to achieve in a few months, and it's unlikely that Samjiyon is ready to welcome tourists in any larger numbers. What will probably happen is a resumption of the status quo, which is a few groups of Chinese and Russian visitors.
