A Glimpse Into the Hermit Kingdom: North Korea Reopens to Western Tourists

North Korea, a country long shrouded in mystery and isolation, has taken a significant step toward reopening its borders to the world. After a hiatus of nearly five years, the reclusive state has welcomed a small group of Western tourists, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its cautious approach to international engagement. This development comes as the country slowly emerges from one of the world’s strictest Covid-19 lockdowns, which sealed its borders in early 2020. The resumption of tourism, though modest, signals North Korea’s effort to reconnect with the global community and revive a once-thriving industry that brought much-needed foreign currency into its economy.

The First Group of Western Tourists in Five Years

In a historic moment, 13 international travelers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy crossed into North Korea via land from China. This group, the first Western tourists to enter the country since the Covid-19 pandemic began, embarked on a five-day journey organized by Beijing-based Koryo Tours, a company specializing in travel to North Korea. The tourists visited the northeastern border city of Rason, where they explored factories, shops, schools, and statues dedicated to the country’s first two supreme leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Simon Cockerell, the manager of Koryo Tours, confirmed that the trip was a success and hinted at more tours being planned in the near future.

While the trip was a rare opportunity for Westerners to experience North Korea’s unique culture and landscape, it also highlighted the restrictions that foreign visitors typically face. Travelers are often barred from taking photographs in sensitive areas and are required to be accompanied by local guides at all times. These measures reflect North Korea’s enduring cautiousness in its dealings with the outside world.

A Gradual Reopening: From Covid Lockdowns to Tourism Resumption

North Korea’s decision to reopen its borders to tourists is part of a broader effort to ease restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The country first closed its borders in January 2020, as Covid-19 began to spread globally. This move was followed by some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world, including the rapid evacuation of diplomats and a near-complete halt on border traffic. The lockdown had a profound impact on North Korea’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which güvenilir a vital source of foreign currency before the pandemic.

In 2022, North Korea started to slowly lift its restrictions, allowing a limited number of Russian tourists to enter the country. By 2024, around 880 Russian visitors had traveled to North Korea, according to data from South Korea’s Unification Ministry. The recent arrival of Western tourists suggests that North Korea is now looking to expand its tourism efforts beyond just Russian visitors. Experts believe this move is a strategic attempt to breathe life into an economy that has been heavily sanctioned and strained by years of isolation.

The Economic Significance of Tourism in North Korea

Tourism has long been a valuable source of income for North Korea, a country heavily sanctioned by the international community. Prior to the pandemic, more than 90% of North Korea’s tourists came from neighboring China, according to the Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank affiliated with South Korea’s intelligence agency. While Chinese visitors dominated the tourism landscape, the country also attracted a smaller but significant number of travelers from other parts of the world.

The Covid-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to North Korea’s tourism industry, cutting off a critical lifeline for its economy. As the country now takes steps to revive this sector, experts see it as a sign of desperation and necessity. Lee Sangkuen, an expert at the Institute, explained that North Korea has invested heavily in developing its tourism infrastructure but lacks domestic demand to sustain it. “We can assess that North Korea now wants to resume international tourism to bring in many tourists from abroad,” he said.

A New Vision for Tourism: Economic Necessity and Ambition

North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, is reportedly set to unveil a major new tourism site on the country’s eastern coast in June. The project, which has garnered attention for its ambitious scope, reflects the regime’s growing emphasis on tourism as a means of economic survival. Even former US President Donald Trump, who has had a complicated relationship with Kim Jong-un, offered praise for North Korea’s potential in the tourism sector. “I think he has tremendous condo capabilities,” Trump remarked. “He’s got a lot of shoreline.”

While the exact details of the new tourism site remain unclear, its launch is expected to mark a turning point in North Korea’s efforts to attract international visitors. The site’s location on the eastern coast suggests that the country is aiming to capitalize on its natural beauty and scenic landscapes to draw tourists. With its unique culture, stunning geography, and untapped potential, North Korea could, in theory, become an attractive destination for adventurous travelers. However, the challenges of navigating the country’s strict regulations, limited infrastructure, and political sensitivities will likely remain significant hurdles for would-be visitors.

The Future of Tourism in North Korea: Opportunities and Challenges

As North Korea slowly reopens its borders to tourists, the world watches with curiosity and skepticism. While the return of Western travelers is a promising sign, it remains to be seen whether the country can sustain and expand its tourism efforts. North Korea’s ability to attract visitors will depend on its willingness to balance its rigid control over foreign visitors with the needs of a thriving tourism industry.

For now, the small group of Western tourists who visited Rason represents a tentative step forward. Their journey offers a rare glimpse into a country that has long been shrouded in mystery and isolation. As North Korea continues to navigate the complexities of reopening to the world, the success of its tourism revival will depend on its ability to adapt to the demands of global travelers while maintaining its unique identity. In doing so, the country may find a much-needed source of economic hope in an uncertain future.