North Korea, known for its stringent border controls during the COVID-19 pandemic, is on the brink of admitting its first known group of tourists since early 2020. The anticipated arrival of a group from Russia signals a potential easing of travel restrictions, though the move is considered under special circumstances. This development comes after North Korea imposed some of the world’s strictest border controls to curb the spread of the virus and has yet to fully reopen its borders to foreigners.
According to information shared by Russian provincial authorities and a Western tour guide, a group from Russia is preparing to embark on a four-day tour to North Korea. The trip, advertised by a Vladivostok-based agency, was reportedly arranged during talks between the governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai region and officials in Pyongyang in December. The upcoming tour, set to depart on February 9, is scheduled to include visits to Pyongyang and a ski resort, as outlined in the online itinerary.
Simon Cockerell, the general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours, provided insights into the unique circumstances surrounding the Russian tourist visit. While Koryo Tours is not involved in the upcoming trip, Cockerell mentioned that his partners in North Korea have confirmed the visit under special circumstances. He expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It is a good sign, but I would hesitate to say it necessarily will lead to a broader opening due to the special circumstances for this one trip.” Despite the uncertainties, any tourism activity after a hiatus of over four years is seen as a positive step forward.
The potential reopening of North Korea to tourists comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in eastern Russia in September. During the summit, they pledged to deepen cooperation on economic, political, and military fronts despite international sanctions. Tourism, unlike other sectors, is largely unaffected by UN Security Council resolutions restricting business with North Korea due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
Before the pandemic, North Korea experienced a surge in Chinese tourists in 2019, providing the country with a potential $175 million in extra revenue. While the economic impact of tourism was notable, the strict pandemic-related measures resulted in a hiatus in tourist visits. The upcoming Russian tourist group may represent a cautious step toward reviving the tourism sector, signaling a potential shift in North Korea’s approach to travel restrictions.
The imminent arrival of a Russian tourist group in North Korea, the first known visitors since 2020, holds significance as it suggests a potential relaxation of strict border controls. While the circumstances surrounding this trip are deemed special, the development is viewed positively by industry observers. The move could be an initial step toward reopening North Korea to international tourists, marking a potential shift in the country’s travel restrictions and offering a glimpse into the evolving diplomatic and economic landscape in the region.
