SEOUL. North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists in December 2024, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon, according to tour operators. This move signals the end of years of strict COVID-19 border controls and marks a significant step toward resuming broader tourism across the country.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on Wednesday that they had received confirmation from their local partner in North Korea that tourism to Samjiyon, and likely the rest of the country, would officially resume in December. “Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again,” the company said on its website. They added that their local partner would confirm specific itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.
International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and in February, a small group of Russian tourists made a private visit to the country. High-profile foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have also visited North Korea in recent months, further indicating the regime’s gradual reopening.
Despite these developments, North Korea has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. The upcoming reopening will begin with Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has described as a “socialist utopia.” The city has undergone extensive development in recent years, featuring new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.
In July, Kim Jong Un took action against several senior officials, either sacking or demoting them for their “irresponsible” handling of the Samjiyon project, underscoring the importance he places on this flagship initiative.
KTG Tours, another travel agency, also announced that tourists would be able to visit Samjiyon this winter, further confirming the anticipated reopening.
As North Korea prepares to welcome back foreign visitors, the world will be watching closely to see how the reclusive nation manages this significant step toward reopening its doors to the international community.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
