A Cautious Reopening: North Korea Welcomes Foreign Tourists After Five Years
After five years of strict Covid-19 restrictions, North Korea has taken its first tentative steps toward reopening its borders to international tourists. In late February 2023, a small group of 13 foreign travelers from countries such as Britain, Canada, and Australia visited the northeastern border city of Rason, marking the first time foreign tourists have entered the country since early 2020. This trip, organized by the Beijing-based travel company Koryo Tours, signals that North Korea may be preparing to revive its international tourism industry, a move that could provide much-needed foreign currency to bolster its struggling economy.
The travelers, who crossed into North Korea by land from China, spent five days exploring Rason, a special economic zone known for its industrial and commercial activities. During their visit, they toured factories, schools, and local shops, as well as paid respects to statues of North Korea’s founding leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Simon Cockerell, General Manager of Koryo Tours, expressed optimism about the reopening, noting that more tourists—both in groups and on private visits—are already making arrangements to visit the country.
Slowly Easing Restrictions: A Post-Pandemic Shift
North Korea’s decision to allow foreign tourists back into the country comes after years of some of the world’s strictest Covid-19 measures. When the pandemic began in early 2020, the nation swiftly closed its borders, expelled foreign diplomats, and severely limited cross-border traffic. However, since 2022, the country has gradually relaxed these restrictions, signaling a cautious return to pre-pandemic activities.
In February 2024, North Korea took a significant step by welcoming about 100 Russian tourists—the first foreign visitors since the pandemic began. This move surprised many observers, as it was widely expected that Chinese tourists, who historically made up over 90% of North Korea’s international visitors, would be the first to return. Instead, Russian tourists led the way, reflecting the deepening alliance between North Korea and Russia. Over the course of 2024, approximately 880 Russian tourists visited North Korea, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry, while Chinese group tours remained on hold.
A Strategic Shift Toward Russia, Cooling Ties with China
The growing ties between North Korea and Russia have been a significant factor in the resumption of tourism. In recent years, North Korea has openly supported Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, supplying weapons and troops. This alliance has drawn the two nations closer, with Russia emerging as a key partner for North Korea amid strained relations with China. Beijing’s reluctance to join a potential anti-U.S. alliance with North Korea and Russia has further cooled ties between the two traditional allies.
For North Korea, tourism has long been a reliable source of foreign currency, especially given the stringent international sanctions imposed on the country over its nuclear program. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists were the backbone of North Korea’s tourism industry, with up to 300,000 Chinese visitors annually. However, the shift toward Russian tourists highlights North Korea’s strategic pivot toward Moscow and its efforts to diversify its economic partnerships.
Reviving Tourism to Boost the Economy
The resumption of international tourism is a critical step for North Korea as it seeks to revive its economy, which has been severely impacted by years of sanctions and pandemic-related lockdowns. In addition to Rason, North Korea is planning to unveil a massive new tourism site on its eastern coast in June 2024. This project, which has reportedly been in development for years, is part of broader efforts to attract foreign visitors and generate revenue.
However, experts caution that North Korea’s tourism industry faces significant challenges. The country’s restrictive policies, such as requiring foreign visitors to be accompanied by official guides at all times and banning photography in sensitive areas, may deter potential tourists. Additionally, the lack of domestic demand for tourism infrastructure highlights the importance of attracting international visitors to make these investments worthwhile.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, North Korea appears determined to expand its tourism sector. Rason, the eastern coast, and Pyongyang are likely to be the primary destinations for foreign visitors, as these areas allow the government to maintain strict control over tourists’ movements. While the return of Chinese tourists would be a significant boost to the industry, North Korea’s current focus on Russian visitors reflects its shifting geopolitical priorities.
As North Korea cautiously reopens its borders, the success of its tourism industry will depend on its ability to balance economic needs with its desire to maintain control over foreign visitors. Whether the country can attract enough tourists to make a meaningful impact on its economy remains to be seen, but the recent influx of visitors is a promising sign that North Korea is taking steps toward reengaging with the world.
