North Korea is set to open its borders to international tourists by December 2024, marking the end of nearly five years of stringent border closures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement, confirmed by Beijing-based Koryo Tours, signals the reemergence of North Korean tourism which had been shuttered since early 2020.
The city at the forefront of this reopening is Samjiyon, situated near the iconic Mount Paektu. Tour operators are hopeful, as Koryo Tours noted, they have been assured by local partners about the resumption of tourism in Samjiyon and potentially other locations across the country.
Tourists from various countries will be allowed to visit, but South Korea remains off-limits due to the country's long-standing political tensions. The United States directs its citizens to avoid travel to North Korea, underscoring the existing geopolitical frictions.
While tourism to North Korea has historically attracted small groups, predominantly from China, the country has been largely inaccessible following the pandemic. The lack of foreign visitors has put considerable pressure on the tourism sector, which is tightly controlled by the North Korean government.
Tour companies eagerly anticipate this return, having patiently waited throughout the pandemic's disruptive timeline. Shenyang's KTG Tours echoed these sentiments on social media, expressing optimism about the reopening extending beyond just Samjiyon.
Recent developments suggest North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has taken personal interest in enhancing tourism infrastructure. This includes plans for new hotels and other facilities aimed at making the region more appealing to visitors.
Kim had previously remarked on the importance of revitalizing international tourism to attract more foreign visitors. During his visit to Samjiyon, he highlighted aspirations for transforming the area to appeal to “foreign friends,” bestowing it with historical significance tied to the Korean War resistance.
This process of reopening, as welcomed as it may be, still carries uncertainty. Various analysts provide cautious insights, with Chad O'Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, expressing skepticism about whether the reestablishment of tourism will genuinely take effect by December.
According to him: "I will believe it when I see it," reflecting the unpredictable nature of North Korea's tourist policy implementation. A successful relaunch of tourism might hinge upon how smoothly initial operations proceed with the anticipated influx of visitors.
While this announcement breathes new life to the hopes of tourism enthusiasts and operators alike, North Korea's track record of secrecy raises many questions. External observers often note the difficulties encountered when attempting to establish the authenticity of information emerging from the nation.
Despite these challenges, some significant refurbishment efforts have been underway for years. Samjiyon is already known for its stunning landscapes and is steeped in revolutionary history which North Korean propaganda promotes as exemplary of the nation’s identity.
Previously, it hosted large groups of tourists, mainly from China, prior to the pandemic. The region is particularly significant as it serves both as the purported birthplace of former leader Kim Jong Il and as the site of notable resistance during the Japanese occupation.
North Koreans view Mount Paektu as historically enriched, serving as an emblematic symbol of Korean resistance against foreign occupation. The mountain remains deeply interwoven with national narratives, linking the ruling Kim family directly to its lore.
Koryo Tours is actively working on finalizing the tour itineraries and details for the larger public. Their announcement assures travelers the preparations are smoothing out, albeit with expectations tempered by prior uncertainties over North Korea’s willingness to embrace foreign visitors.
The reopening could potentially lead to the gradual reestablishment of tourism across North Korea, with eyes cautiously turning to developments beyond Samjiyon. Some experts speculate it could pave the way for easing boundaries set since the pandemic.
Though the prospect of increased international tourism presents opportunities, it also raises several hurdles. North Korea is still grappling with repercussions stemming from the pandemic, ranging from disrupted local businesses to managerial reevaluations of their operational norms.
Recent months have seen limited tourism efforts return, particularly with small groups of Russian tourists being allowed after February. Interactions with Russian visitors are part of warming ties between the two countries, as North Korea seems focused on leveraging goodwill amid its strained relations with much of the Western world.
The initial reopening of Samjiyon is anticipated as not simply about economic revival but also about showcasing North Korea’s image positively to wider audiences. The North Korean regime hopes to leverage this interest to appeal to nations it categorizes as "friendly" to its political framework.
Yet, substantial gaps linger concerning travel restrictions and safety concerns for potential travelers. The Foreign Office has raised alarms about the unpredictable nature of the political environment within North Korea, recent trends fostering hesitance among Western tourists.
This diplomatic tension also complicates the returning of tourism to its pre-pandemic scales. The government’s tight control over tourism ventures allows them to manipulate how and when narratives about the country are shaped.
Conclusively, the situation sheds light on the reopening of North Korea as both hopeful yet fraught with uncertainty. While Samjiyon's opening is scheduled for December, actual progress will require monitoring to confirm whether these initial steps evolve sustainably.
The forthcoming months hold promise for those eager to experience North Korean tourism firsthand. With various tour companies prepared to craft unique itineraries, the world will be watching closely whether this transition marks the beginning of something new or remains subject to the caprices of North Korea's inscrutable leadership.
