North Korea reopens to tourism after five years

After nearly five years of border closures due to the Covid pandemic, North Korea will reopen one city to foreign tourists in December, two tour operators announced. Tourists will soon be allowed to visit the northern mountain city of Samjiyon. The reclusive state locked itself down at the start of the pandemic in early 2020 and only began to ease restrictions in the middle of last year.

The border closure has also cut off imports of basic goods, leading to food shortages exacerbated by international sanctions over the country’s nuclear programme.

Samjiyon sits at the foot of North Korea’s highest mountain, Paektu, which forms the border between China and North Korea. It is popular for its winter attractions and has undergone major redevelopment in recent years. According to state media, there are plans to rebuild the airport, convert a military ski base into a resort, and build new railways and hotels for foreign tourists.

The city’s propaganda claims that Paektu is where North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung fought Japanese occupation forces and launched a revolution. It is also claimed that the father of the current leader, Kim Jong-il, was born here.

Restrictions have been eased.

North Korea has only allowed Russian tourists in since early 2024, amid improving relations between the two countries. One tour operator, Koryo Tours, told BBC North Korean authorities allow tourists from all countries except South Korea to travel. However, the United States prohibits its citizens from traveling to North Korea.

Just in August of last year, North Korea became one of the last countries to allow the return of citizens who had been turned away due to border controls.

Samjiyon is expected to be the first city to reopen to tourism. In December, tourists will also be able to visit other parts of North Korea. As KTG Tours in Shenyang noted on its Facebook page: “So far, only Samjiyon has been officially confirmed, but we believe that Pyongyang and other places will also open.”

Key points

• After five years, North Korea is open to tourism again. The mountain town of Samjiyon is the first to allow foreign tourists to visit the country.
• The country locked down at the start of the pandemic in early 2020 and began phasing out restrictions in mid-2023.
• Plans are in place to rebuild the airport, convert a military ski base into a resort and build new railway lines and hotels for foreign tourists.

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