North Korea Set to Reopen Samjiyon to Foreign Tourists in December After Five-Year Hiatus
North Korea is preparing to welcome foreign tourists back to the mountainous city of Samjiyon in December, marking the end of nearly five years of border closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to announcements from China-based tour operators, Samjiyon will be the first city to reopen, with the possibility of other locations, including Pyongyang, following suit.
The country, which sealed its borders in early 2020, only began easing restrictions last year. The prolonged closure has led to severe food shortages, exacerbated by international sanctions tied to its nuclear program.
Tour operators like Shenyang’s KTG Tours and Beijing’s Koryo Tours expressed excitement about the reopening, although some remain skeptical. “I will believe it when I see it,” said Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, casting doubt on whether significant progress will be made by December.
Samjiyon, located at the foot of Mount Paektu, has been undergoing extensive redevelopment, including plans for a new airport, a ski resort, and additional infrastructure aimed at attracting foreign tourists. Despite this, O’Carroll noted that the redevelopment is incomplete, suggesting that initial visitors may primarily be Russian and Chinese tourists.
North Korea has only allowed Russian tourists to enter the country since early 2024, amid warming ties between the two nations. The December reopening marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to “revitalize international tourism,” though it remains to be seen how successful this will be.
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