North Korea reopens for tourism after five years of Covid shutdown

North Korea plans to reopen to tourists in December after almost five years of closure due to the pandemic.

After nearly five years of isolation, North Korea is preparing to reopen its borders to foreign tourists, starting in December. The move comes after prolonged closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the nation sealing itself off from the rest of the world.

Two tour operators based in China have confirmed that the mountainous city of Samjiyon will be accessible to tourists later this year. This decision marks the first step in North Korea’s gradual reopening to the world after years of stringent border controls. The nation had closed its borders in early 2020 as the pandemic spread, and while it began easing some restrictions last year, tourism remained off-limits.

The pandemic-era border closures not only impacted tourism but also led to severe shortages of essential goods, exacerbating the challenges posed by international sanctions. These sanctions, which have been in place due to North Korea’s nuclear programme, further strained the country’s resources. The reopening of Samjiyon is seen as a potential economic boost, particularly for the tourism sector, which has been dormant for years.

A Shenyang-based tour operator, KTG Tours, announced on social media that while Samjiyon is the first city confirmed to reopen, it is likely that Pyongyang and other regions will follow suit. Meanwhile, Beijing’s Koryo Tours also expressed optimism about the potential reopening of other parts of North Korea in December. The company has been eagerly awaiting this moment for over four years and is enthusiastic about the revival of North Korean tourism.

However, there remains some scepticism about whether this reopening will proceed as planned. Chad O’Carroll, CEO of the US-based Korea Risk Group, expressed doubts, stating, “I will believe it when I see it.” His caution reflects the uncertainty that still surrounds North Korea’s reopening plans, particularly given the country’s track record of sudden policy changes.

Samjiyon, situated at the base of North Korea’s tallest mountain, Paektu, is renowned for its winter attractions. The city has been the focus of significant redevelopment in recent years. In July, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revealed plans to transform the area into a major tourist destination. These plans include the construction of new railways, hotels, and the conversion of a military ski base into a resort, all aimed at attracting international visitors.

Despite these ambitious plans, some experts, including O’Carroll, have pointed out that the redevelopment of Samjiyon is not yet complete. If the projects are finished in time, the initial influx of tourists is expected to come primarily from Russia and possibly China. O’Carroll also suggested that unless North Korea establishes direct flights from Samjiyon to a neutral third country like Mongolia, it may struggle to attract a significant number of international visitors.

North Korea has taken tentative steps towards reopening in recent months, including allowing the return of citizens who were stranded abroad due to border controls. The decision to allow Russian tourists earlier this year reflects warming ties between the two nations. The forthcoming reopening to broader international tourism could signal a shift in North Korea’s approach to foreign engagement, though the full extent of this shift remains to be seen.