How Will North Korea’s Reopening to Western Tourists, with Access to Rason and Other Key Sites, Redefine the Future of Global Travel After Five Years of Isolation?

In a significant move marking a shift in its international tourism policy, North Korea recently reopened its borders to a small group of Western tourists, the first in five years. This decision comes after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the country close its borders entirely in January 2020. The resumption of tourism signals the country’s desire to revitalize its economy and bring in much-needed foreign currency through tourism.

Resumption of International Tourism

A group of 13 international tourists from countries such as the UK, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy were the first to visit the isolated nation since its border closure. Their trip was arranged by Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency specializing in trips to North Korea. The five-day excursion took the visitors to Rason, a border city in the northeastern part of the country, where they traveled overland from China.

During their time in North Korea, the tourists were guided through several locations including factories, shops, schools, and monuments dedicated to the country’s first two supreme leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The country remains one of the most tightly controlled in the world, and foreign visitors are subject to strict regulations, including the requirement to be accompanied by official guides at all times. Photography is also heavily restricted, particularly in sensitive areas.

North Korea’s Tourism Industry Pre-Pandemic

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea’s tourism sector was a small but vital source of foreign currency for the regime, particularly from neighboring China, which accounted for over 90% of the country’s tourists. Despite international sanctions, the government welcomed foreign tourists to experience its controlled yet deeply ideological portrayal of its culture and history. These visits were often limited to state-approved tours that presented an idealized version of life in North Korea.

The border closures caused by the pandemic in early 2020 had a severe impact on the tourism industry, with the country essentially becoming a no-go zone for most international travelers. While the country allowed some diplomats and humanitarian workers to stay, general international visitation was severely restricted.

Gradual Reopening and Russian Tourists

Since 2022, North Korea has cautiously reopened its borders, initially allowing a select number of Russian tourists to visit the country. The first post-pandemic international tourists to visit North Korea were a group of Russian nationals who came for a ski trip in February 2022. These tourists were permitted entry as part of a phased reopening, reflecting the country’s tentative steps toward re-engaging with international tourism.

In 2024, the number of Russian visitors increased significantly, with around 880 Russian tourists visiting North Korea. While these visitors were a vital part of the early reopening efforts, they primarily came from a neighboring country with which North Korea shares a border, making travel easier and more feasible.

The Global Impact of North Korea’s Reopening

The gradual return of international tourists, especially those from Western countries, is seen as a positive development for North Korea, which continues to face economic challenges due to long-standing sanctions and isolation. Tourism could play a crucial role in bringing in foreign currency and providing some economic relief, as the country looks to expand its tourism offerings.

In particular, there are expectations that North Korea will focus on expanding its tourism infrastructure, as evidenced by the reported construction of new tourist facilities. According to experts, Kim Jong-un’s government is keen on promoting tourism as a means of boosting the local economy. This is further supported by plans to open a major tourism site on the eastern coast of the country in June, which is expected to attract even more international visitors.

Moving Forward: Tourism as an Economic Strategy

As North Korea continues to rebuild its tourism sector, experts predict a gradual increase in international arrivals, although the country will likely remain a niche destination for travelers interested in highly controlled and state-approved visits. With its borders officially open to foreign tourists, North Korea now aims to balance economic needs with the restrictions and strict governance that characterize life in the country.

For travelers, this opening offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most isolated nations. While it’s still unclear how many tourists will choose to visit, the resumption of tourism highlights the growing importance of international travel in global geopolitics and economic strategies. As North Korea cautiously re-engages with the outside world, it remains to be seen how it will manage the delicate balance between attracting tourists and maintaining its control over the narrative it presents to the world.

Key Highlights:

North Korea’s borders have reopened to Western tourists for the first time since the pandemic.
The country plans to use tourism as a means to boost its economy.
Restrictions on photography and guide-led tours remain in place.

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