North Korea is set to resume limited international tourism by the end of 2024, nearly five years after the country closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This development was confirmed by two tour companies with connections to North Korea, Beijing-based Koryo Tours and Shenyang-based KTG Tours.
Announcement by Tour Companies
Both Koryo Tours and KTG Tours made separate announcements on Wednesday regarding the reopening. According to Koryo Tours, tourism will begin in December 2024, initially focusing on the mountainous city of Samjiyon, which is reputed to be the birthplace of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Koryo Tours stated that further itinerary details will be provided soon. KTG Tours echoed this news on Facebook, noting that while Samjiyon has been specifically mentioned, there is anticipation that Pyongyang and other locations may also open to tourists.
Significance of Samjiyon and Mount Paektu
Samjiyon is situated near the Chinese border and close to Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. Mount Paektu holds great historical and cultural significance for both North and South Koreans, often regarded as the mythical birthplace of the Korean people. The mountain has also been a site of political symbolism, with South Korea’s former president Moon Jae-in and his wife visiting it in 2018 alongside Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju.
Historical Context and Tourism
Before the pandemic, Samjiyon was a popular destination for Chinese tourists, contributing to North Korea’s economy despite international sanctions imposed due to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally visited Samjiyon earlier in July to inspect construction sites, indicating ongoing investment in the region.
Future Prospects and Prioritization of Friendly Nations
While North Korean state media have not yet reported on the reopening of the country to international tourists, Kim Jong Un has previously indicated that visitors from “friendly” nations, such as Russia and China, would be prioritized. This suggests that initial tourism activities may focus on these countries as North Korea gradually reopens to the world.