Written By Lisa Murimi
In a significant shift from its extended isolation, North Korea will welcome foreign tourists to the city of Samjiyon starting December, according to tour operators.
This marks the first time the reclusive country has opened its borders to international visitors since the onset of the Covid pandemic in early 2020.
The decision follows nearly five years of strict border closures, which had exacerbated food shortages and intensified international sanctions due to North Korea’s nuclear program.
China-based tour operators KTG Tours and Koryo Tours confirmed the news, with Koryo Tours hinting at the possibility of opening other regions as well.
While Samjiyon, situated at the base of North Korea’s highest peak, Mount Paektu, is set to reopen, doubts remain about the broader scope of the tourism revival.
Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of this plan, noting incomplete redevelopment in Samjiyon.
The North Korean government has prioritized the city’s transformation into a winter tourist hub, promising enhanced infrastructure, including a new airport and ski resort.
The move reflects a broader push to revive international tourism, albeit with limited access for South Korean and American tourists.
