North Korea to reopen border city to tourists after 5 years

North Korea is set to reopen a city to international tourists after almost five years of pandemic-induced border closures. BBC News quoted two tour operators based in China as saying that starting in December, visitors will now be able to travel to the northern city of Samjiyon.

North Korea isolated itself from the rest of the world at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, gradually easing restrictions from mid-2023. Shenyang’s KTG Tours wrote on Facebook “So far just Samjiyon has been officially confirmed but we think that Pyongyang and other places will open too!!!”.

In a follow-up post, KTG tours detailed that the borders are supposed to open this winter, most likely in December but dates are not confirmed yet. They noted that there is no official confirmation yet for the reopening of North Korean cities.

Koryo Tours expressed excitement about the revival of North Korean tourism, stating on their website that they have waited for this announcement for more than four years. The company informed the BBC that North Korean officials are permitting tourists from all countries except South Korea, while U.S. citizens are still barred from visiting North Korea.

For years, the country has suffered from a severe economic downturn worsened by its isolation. The reintroduction of tourism could provide a necessary boost to its economy. Tourism is a critical source of revenue for North Korea, which relies on foreign visitors to bring in hard currency.

With international sanctions in place, the influx of funds from tourism could help alleviate some economic pressures and contribute to local development, particularly in areas like Samjiyon, which is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

This decision to reopen borders may also have diplomatic ramifications. By selectively allowing tourists from certain countries while barring others, North Korea can manage its international relationships and send strategic signals.

The exclusion of South Korean tourists and the continued ban on American visitors reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions and North Korea’s strategic priorities. However, the reopening could also serve as a gesture of goodwill towards other countries and international organizations, potentially fostering a more favourable diplomatic climate.

International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and in February, a small group of Russian tourists travelled to North Korea for a private tour.

According to Reuters, North Korea is building what it called a “socialist utopia” in Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border, which will include “a model of the highly-civilized mountain city” with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.

Additionally, high-profile foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have visited the country, reflecting strengthening relations between North Korea and Russia.

Considering humanitarian and social effects, the reopening could have positive social effects. The resumption of tourism may lead to increased engagement with the outside world, potentially leading to more cultural exchange and a broader understanding of North Korean society. For North Korean citizens, particularly those involved in the tourism industry, this could translate into job opportunities and improved living standards.

However, there are concerns about how the reopening might be managed, given North Korea’s strict control over its borders and the limited information about how it will manage the influx of tourists. The regime’s approach to managing health and safety, alongside the potential risks of renewed COVID-19 outbreaks, will be crucial in determining the overall success of this decision.

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