In a significant move towards reengagement with the world, North Korea has announced plans to reopen the northern city of Samjiyon to foreign tourists this December, marking the first time in nearly five years that the country will welcome international visitors. This decision follows years of strict border closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At least two China-based tour operators, KTG Tours and Koryo Tours, have confirmed that tourists will soon have the opportunity to visit Samjiyon, a city known for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and proximity to the iconic Mount Paektu. The announcement has been met with excitement from the tourism industry, as the reopening signals a potential resurgence of travel to one of the world’s most isolated nations.
North Korea’s borders have been largely sealed since early 2020, when the pandemic first emerged. The closures not only isolated the country but also led to severe food shortages, exacerbated by international sanctions tied to its nuclear program. However, since mid-2023, the country has gradually started to ease some of these restrictions.
Shenyang-based KTG Tours expressed optimism on social media, suggesting that other parts of North Korea, including the capital Pyongyang, might also soon be accessible to tourists. Similarly, Beijing’s Koryo Tours indicated that more areas could “potentially” open by December, underscoring a broader initiative to revive the country’s tourism sector.
Samjiyon, located at the base of Mount Paektu—a site of great cultural and historical significance in North Korea—has seen extensive redevelopment in recent years. In July, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revealed ambitious plans to revitalize the area, including rebuilding its airport, converting a military ski base into a resort, and constructing new railways and hotels aimed at attracting foreign tourists.
Kim has framed these developments as part of a broader strategy to “revitalize international tourism,” particularly targeting visitors from “friendly” nations. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) previously reported that the Mount Paektu-Samjiyon zone is envisioned as a “four-season mountainous tourist area” designed to meet the highest cultural and emotional needs of the people, while also appealing to international tourists.
The decision to reopen for tourism is a welcome development, not only for the potential economic benefits it could bring to North Korea but also as a gesture towards greater openness. While the country has only permitted Russian tourists since early 2024, this latest move suggests a more inclusive approach, allowing tourists from various nations to explore its unique attractions—though South Korean citizens remain excluded, and U.S. citizens are still barred by their own government from traveling to North Korea.
The reopening of Samjiyon is a promising step in North Korea’s efforts to reconnect with the global community, offering a rare opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. As the country embarks on this path, the world will be watching to see how this initiative unfolds and whether it leads to further positive developments in North Korea’s international relations.
