North Korea is set to restart international tourism in its northeastern city of Samjiyon this December, with potential extensions to other regions, according to tour operators. This development indicates that the isolated nation is preparing to welcome larger numbers of foreign visitors following prolonged stringent Covid-19 border restrictions.
Koryo Tours, headquartered in Beijing, confirmed on their website, "We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024." International flights to and from North Korea resumed in the previous year, and a small contingent of Russian tourists visited for a private tour in February. High-ranking foreign dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have been frequenting the country. However, North Korea has maintained restricted access to international tourists since 2020.
Excitedly anticipating the reopening, Koryo Tours stated, "Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again," noting that their local partner would soon confirm itineraries and dates. North Korea has been developing Samjiyon, close to the Chinese border, into a "socialist utopia" and "a model of highly-civilised mountain city" featuring new residential complexes, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.
In July, leader Kim Jong-un dismissed or demoted several top officials for their "irresponsible" management of the Samjiyon project. Additionally, KTG Tours has announced that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon starting this winter.
