North Korea will resume its tourism operations by opening its doors to international visitors starting in December, initially focusing on the city of Samjiyon. This move comes after nearly five years of stringent border closures, a measure taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement marks a significant shift as the reclusive nation begins to re-engage with the global tourism sector.
Tour operators based in China have confirmed that Samjiyon, a city located in the mountainous northern region of North Korea, will be the first to welcome foreign tourists. The country shut its borders in early 2020 to curb the spread of the virus. Although authorities relaxed some restrictions since mid-2023, they have largely kept international travel restricted. The prolonged closure caused severe repercussions, including shortages of essential goods, and international sanctions related to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions compounded the issue.
KTG Tours, a tour operator from Shenyang, has indicated that while Samjiyon is the only city currently confirmed for reopening, they are optimistic that other locations, including Pyongyang, may also become accessible soon. The company posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, “So far, we have officially confirmed only Samjiyon, but we think that Pyongyang and other places will open too!!!”
Beijing-based Koryo Tours has also announced potential for broader access, suggesting that tourists might be able to visit additional areas within North Korea starting in December. The company expressed its enthusiasm for the development: “Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again,” it stated on its website.
According to Koryo Tours, North Korean authorities will permit tourists from most countries, with the exception of South Korea. However, U.S. citizens remain restricted from traveling to North Korea due to ongoing travel bans.
Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, a U.S.-based analysis firm, has voiced skepticism regarding the reopening. “I will believe it when I see it,” he remarked, adding, “For now, I am quite sceptical we will see any real movement in December.”
The redevelopment of Samjiyon has been a major project in recent years, with significant infrastructure improvements planned. In July, Kim Jong Un outlined ambitious plans for the city, including the reconstruction of its airport, the transformation of a former military ski base into a resort, and the construction of new railways and hotels to accommodate international tourists. Kim’s vision aims to enhance North Korea’s appeal to visitors from “friendly” nations.
O’Carroll noted that while Samjiyon’s redevelopment is underway, its completion may still be pending. He speculated that the initial influx of tourists might predominantly come from Russia and China. O’Carroll said, “If they complete it on time, I can imagine only Russian tourists and possibly Chinese visiting in any real numbers at first.” He also suggested that facilitating flights to a neutral country like Mongolia could help broaden access.
Samjiyon is located at the foot of Mount Paektu, North Korea’s highest peak, which straddles the border with China.
The area is renowned for its winter attractions and holds significant historical and cultural importance in North Korean narratives, particularly about the country’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung, and his successor, Kim Jong Il.
In July, the North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that the Mount Paektu-Samjiyon zone will become a “four-season mountainous tourist area” designed to meet high cultural and emotional expectations and invigorate international tourism.
Since early 2024, North Korea has permitted only Russian tourists to enter, reflecting strengthened relations between the two nations. It was only in August of the previous year that North Korea allowed its own citizens, previously stranded abroad due to border restrictions, to return.
