In an unexpected turn, North Korea has abruptly halted tourism barely a month after initially reopening to Western visitors, raising concerns over the country's fluctuating travel policies.
North Korea Closes Doors Again to Tourists After Brief Reopening
North Korea Closes Doors Again to Tourists After Brief Reopening
North Korea suspends tourism just after welcoming Western travelers for the first time in five years.
North Korea, which had sealed its borders at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, began to reverse some of its restrictions in mid-2023. Although it welcomed Russian tourists in 2024, it was only in February this year that the nation allowed Western tourists into the unique city of Rason. Recent reports from tour companies indicate that all trips to this enigmatic country have been suspended indefinitely, with no clear reason provided by Pyongyang.
China-based KTG Tours shared on their Facebook that it received notifications directly from its Korean counterpart indicating that Rason is now closed to all tourists. Other tour operators like Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also reported a suspension of their North Korean tours. Young Pioneer Tours advised potential tourists to withhold bookings for flights through April and May until further clarity can be established.
February 20 marked a significant date when Western tourists were first permitted into Rason, a city designated as a special economic zone by North Korea to try out new financial measures. However, those experiences were reportedly more confined compared to pre-pandemic visits, limiting tourists’ interactions with locals and their movement around the area. Access to phone signals and the internet was not available, as the country continues to control its external communications. Several tour leaders suspect Rason was selected as a testing ground due to its manageable layout.
Earlier this week, Koryo Tours had begun accepting international applications for the much-anticipated Pyongyang Marathon, scheduled for April 6, marking its first occurrence in five years. However, the sudden travel suspension leaves the status of these applications and the race itself in uncertainty. In 2019, North Korea attracted around 350,000 foreign tourists, with 90% hailing from China, according to various media reports.
China-based KTG Tours shared on their Facebook that it received notifications directly from its Korean counterpart indicating that Rason is now closed to all tourists. Other tour operators like Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also reported a suspension of their North Korean tours. Young Pioneer Tours advised potential tourists to withhold bookings for flights through April and May until further clarity can be established.
February 20 marked a significant date when Western tourists were first permitted into Rason, a city designated as a special economic zone by North Korea to try out new financial measures. However, those experiences were reportedly more confined compared to pre-pandemic visits, limiting tourists’ interactions with locals and their movement around the area. Access to phone signals and the internet was not available, as the country continues to control its external communications. Several tour leaders suspect Rason was selected as a testing ground due to its manageable layout.
Earlier this week, Koryo Tours had begun accepting international applications for the much-anticipated Pyongyang Marathon, scheduled for April 6, marking its first occurrence in five years. However, the sudden travel suspension leaves the status of these applications and the race itself in uncertainty. In 2019, North Korea attracted around 350,000 foreign tourists, with 90% hailing from China, according to various media reports.
