North Korea to reopen borders to foreign tourists in December

North Korea announced plans to reopen its borders to foreign tourists in December, nearly five years after sealing them off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reclusive state will initially allow visitors to the city of Samjiyon, located in the mountainous northern part of the country.

Two China-based tour operators have confirmed that tours to Samjiyon will soon be available.

Shenyang’s KTG Tours and Beijing’s Koryo Tour both announced the development, with Koryo Tours expressing excitement about resuming North Korean tourism.

Samjiyon, situated at the base of Mount Paektu, North Korea's highest peak, is renowned for its winter attractions and has been undergoing significant redevelopment.

The area is deeply significant in North Korean lore, with state propaganda claiming it as the site where the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung, waged battles against Japanese forces and where his son, Kim Jong Il, was born.

Recent reports from North Korean state media highlight ongoing projects to enhance Samjiyon’s appeal to international visitors. These include plans to rebuild the local airport, convert a military ski base into a resort, and develop new railways and hotels.

The goal is to transform Samjiyon into a year-round tourist destination that meets high cultural and emotional standards and boosts international tourism.

The country’s reopening strategy is expected to initially target tourists from nations deemed "friendly" to North Korea.

Since early 2024, North Korea has permitted entry only for Russian tourists, reflecting strengthened ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.