Photo Credit: Getty Images
North Korea is set to reopen its borders to foreign tourists in December, allowing visits to the northern city of Samjiyon for the first time since sealing itself off at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly five years ago. This significant development was announced by at least two China-based tour operators, marking a potential reentry of North Korea into international tourism.
Samjiyon, a mountainous city located near North Korea's tallest mountain, Paektu, will be the first area accessible to foreign tourists. KTG Tours, based in Shenyang, confirmed the news on its Facebook page, adding that other parts of North Korea, including the capital Pyongyang, might also reopen soon. Beijing's Koryo Tours echoed this announcement on its website, expressing excitement over the reopening and hinting that tourists may soon be able to explore other regions of the country as well.
North Korea closed its borders in early 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has only gradually eased restrictions since mid-2023. The prolonged closure exacerbated food shortages within the country, as the isolation cut off essential imports, compounding the effects of international sanctions related to its nuclear program.
Despite the announcement, some experts remain skeptical. Chad O'Carroll, CEO of the US-based Korea Risk Group, expressed doubts, stating, "I will believe it when I see it." He raised concerns about the incomplete redevelopment of Samjiyon, which has been undergoing major renovations, including the rebuilding of its airport, the conversion of a military ski base into a resort, and the construction of new railways and hotels aimed at foreign tourists.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had previously unveiled plans in July to transform Samjiyon and the Mount Paektu region into a "four-season mountainous tourist area" to promote international tourism, particularly from "friendly" nations. However, O'Carroll speculated that, initially, only Russian and possibly Chinese tourists might visit, given the current geopolitical climate.
Samjiyon, located at the foot of Mount Paektu, holds significant cultural and historical importance in North Korean propaganda. The mountain is heralded as the site where North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, launched his revolution against Japanese occupation forces and is also claimed to be the birthplace of his son, Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader.
The reopening marks a cautious step toward reviving North Korea's international tourism sector, which has been largely dormant since the pandemic began. It also reflects the regime's continued efforts to strengthen ties with Russia, as only Russian tourists have been allowed entry into North Korea since early 2024.
As December approaches, the world will watch closely to see if North Korea follows through on its plans and how the reopening might impact its relations with the international community.
