North Korea is set to reopen its doors to foreign tourists this December, marking a significant development after nearly five years of strict border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mountainous northern city of Samjiyon has been confirmed for tourist visits, as announced by tour operators based in China.
Since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, North Korea has maintained stringent isolation measures, beginning to ease restrictions only in mid-2022. The prolonged border closures have resulted in severe shortages of essential goods, exacerbated by international sanctions linked to the country’s nuclear program.
While Samjiyon is the only city officially confirmed for reopening, tour operators have hinted that other areas, including the capital city of Pyongyang, may also welcome tourists in the near future. Samjiyon, located at the base of Mount Paektu—North Korea’s tallest mountain known for its winter attractions—holds historical significance as it is considered the birthplace of the nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
In recent years, Kim Jong Un has announced ambitious redevelopment plans for Samjiyon, which include upgrading its airport, transforming a military ski base into a resort, and constructing new railways and hotels to accommodate foreign visitors. These efforts aim to “revitalize international tourism” with a focus on attracting travelers from “friendly” nations.
The North Korean tourism sector has seen a cautious reopening, allowing only a limited number of Russian tourists since early 2024. However, a recent announcement indicated that tourists from other countries, excluding South Korea, will be permitted to join tours. It is important to note that the U.S. government continues to restrict its citizens from traveling to North Korea.
The announcement on reopening comes after the country finally allowed its own citizens, who had been stranded outside the nation due to border controls, to return last August, making it one of the last countries to lift such restrictions. As North Korea embarks on this new chapter of tourism, all eyes will be on how the nation navigates its re-engagement with international visitors.
