North Korea has reopened Rason to foreign tourists after a five-year closure. This move is part of a gradual recovery from COVID-19 restrictions, following limited border openings for trade and Russian tourists. Despite the reopening, details for tourist itineraries are still unconfirmed and further restrictions exist for most of the country.
Tour operators have reported that North Korea has reopened the border city of Rason to foreign tourists after a five-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korea initially sealed its borders in early 2020 to curb the virus spread, enhancing border controls to stop illegal re-entry of citizens. Recently, it reopened borders for some trade and permitted Russian tourists last year, indicating a gradual shift towards tourism revival.
The closure of North Korea’s borders dramatically affected its tourism sector, which saw around 5,000 Western visitors annually before the pandemic. Rason becomes the first site reopening to tourists and is significant as a special economic zone (SEZ) that includes a legal marketplace and a unique visa system. Key allies like China remain crucial for economic support as North Korea attempts to revitalize tourism amidst continued restrictions.
The reopening of Rason marks a tentative step towards reviving tourism in North Korea. However, comprehensive itineraries and specific guidelines for travelers remain unclear as authorities assess how to manage foreign visits. Despite this development, the majority of North Korea stays closed for international tourism, signaling cautious progress as the government navigates the post-pandemic landscape.
Original Source: www.france24.com
