North Korea has paused foreign tourism unexpectedly weeks after reopening to international visitors. This suspension follows a brief period of tourist access, primarily targeting Russian travelers initially. Tour operators have advised against planning trips, citing an uncertain duration for the closure. The country’s previous efforts to revive its tourism industry, particularly with ties to Russia, may be impacted significantly by this decision.
North Korea has abruptly suspended foreign tourism, just weeks after the country reopened its borders to international visitors. This decision follows the entry of Western tourists to the nation for the first time in five years, signaling a sudden shift in policy by the secretive regime. Foreign tourism was initially halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with North Korea beginning to lift restrictions only in 2023.
The reopening commenced with Russian tourists in 2024 and expanded last month to include international guests from countries like Britain, Canada, France, and Germany, in the special economic zone of Rason. During their visits, tourists were escorted to various sites, including factories and statues of former North Korean leaders, but they were prohibited from visiting the capital, Pyongyang.
Tour operators have announced cancellations of all travel plans to North Korea until further notice. The specific reasons behind this sudden closure remain unclear, and the duration of the suspension is uncertain. “We have been informed that Rason is temporarily CLOSED,” stated Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based tour operator, describing the situation as unprecedented.
Young Pioneer Tours confirmed the news through a Facebook post and advised potential travelers to refrain from booking flights for tours in April and May until more information is available. They also noted that refunds would be provided for canceled tours.
Prior to the pandemic, North Korea attracted hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists, generating approximately $175 million in revenue in 2019. In 2024, almost 900 Russian tourists visited North Korea, as reported by the South Korean Unification Ministry. It’s important to note that the United States had already prohibited its citizens from traveling to North Korea following the death of American student Otto Warmbier in 2017.
North Korea’s sudden suspension of tourism, just weeks after reopening, raises questions about the nation’s stability and future policies toward foreign visitors. As uncertainties persist, travel operators are adapting by canceling trips and issuing refunds. The abrupt closure underscores the challenges North Korea faces as it seeks to re-establish its tourism industry amidst global political tensions.
Original Source: www.paxnews.com
