North Korea Reopens Doors to Foreign Tourists After Pandemic Hiatus.
After nearly five years of self-imposed isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reclusive North Korea is set to reopen its borders to foreign tourists, according to tour operators. The move comes as the country seeks to revive its struggling economy and bolster its international tourism industry.
The mountainous city of Samjiyon, located in the northern reaches of the country, will be the first destination to welcome foreign visitors in December, according to announcements from at least two China-based tour operators.
Koryo Tours, based in Beijing, expressed excitement about the reopening, stating, “Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited about the opening of North Korean tourism once again.”
The reclusive regime, known for its strict border controls and isolation from the outside world, sealed itself off at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. This move not only cut off the flow of essential goods, exacerbating food shortages in the country but also halted the trickle of foreign tourists seeking to explore the enigmatic nation.
While the news of reopening has been met with cautious optimism, some experts remain skeptical about the timeline and extent of the reopening. Chad O’Carroll, CEO of the US-based analysis firm Korea Risk Group, expressed doubts, stating, “I will believe it when I see it. For now, I am quite skeptical we will see any real movement in December.”
Samjiyon, the initial destination for foreign tourists, has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiling ambitious plans to transform the area into a four-season mountainous tourist hub.
The plans include rebuilding the airport, converting a military ski base into a resort, and constructing new railways and hotels to cater to international visitors.
However, O’Carroll pointed out that the redevelopment of Samjiyon remains incomplete, suggesting that the initial influx of tourists might be limited primarily to Russian and Chinese visitors due to the city’s proximity to the China-North Korea border.
Situated at the foot of the revered Mount Paektu, which straddles the border between China and North Korea, Samjiyon holds significant cultural and symbolic significance for the North Korean regime.
Pyongyang’s propaganda portrays the mountain as the birthplace of the nation’s revolutionary struggle against Japanese occupation and the site of important events in the lives of the country’s former leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
As North Korea cautiously reopens its doors to the world, the move is seen as an attempt to revive the country’s struggling economy and foster closer ties with “friendly” nations.
However, the extent and pace of the reopening remain uncertain, as the reclusive regime navigates the delicate balance between economic necessity and maintaining its isolationist stance.
