CNN Travel reported that North Korea will reopen international tourism at the end of 2024 after nearly 5 years of complete closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On August 14, two travel companies: Koryo Tours (headquartered in Beijing) and KTG Tours (headquartered in Shenyang) both issued online notices, stating that Samjiyon city - located near the Chinese border and is known as the "roof" of the Korean peninsula - will open to tourists in December.
Koryo Tours representative said: "We have received confirmation from local partners that tourism activities to Samjiyon and possibly many other places across the country will officially resume in December 2024."
Samjiyon used to be a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Previously, the tourism industry brought large revenue to North Korea despite international sanctions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has kept North Korea's borders closed for many years.
"Even though we have been operating in this country for more than 30 years, we have never encountered such a prolonged border closure," said a Koryo Tours representative.
In 2023, international flights to North Korea resumed, and a delegation of about 100 Russian tourists arrived in February. Top foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, visited the country in June. However, North Korea has not fully opened to international tourists since 2020.
"After more than four years of waiting to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is delighted that tourism to North Korea is once again open," the company said. The business also added that its local partner will confirm the tour itinerary and official opening time in the near future.
