After a long period of "freezing" due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is gradually opening its "door" to tourism, however, the current destination is limited to Rason city - where there is a special economic zone. This decision makes curious people wonder: Why did North Korea choose Rason? Is this a "test" for new economic changes?
Rason, a port city in the Northeast of North Korea, has an important strategic location. In 1991, Rason became North Korea's first special economic zone, considered a "test ground" for new economic policies. Here, the North Korean government has applied many measures to attract foreign investment, promote trade and economic development.
North Korea is cautiously welcoming foreign tourists after five years of border closure (since January 2020) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After reaching an agreement with North Korean officials, several international travel agencies have begun accepting applications for tours to Rason. According to information from these agencies, the earliest tours are scheduled to depart from February 24, showing North Korea's thorough preparation and determination to reopen tourism.
Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency that specializes in North Korea tours, is also in the game. They have been planning tours to Rason since March. Meanwhile, Young Pioneer Tours, another travel agency that is also "famous" in the field of North Korea tours, posted photos of passports with North Korean stamps at the border, marking their return after a five-year absence.
Pyongyang authorities currently only welcome a limited number of tourists to the Rason Special Economic Zone, 100% of whom must go through a few licensed tour operators.
Although only Rason is open to international tourists at present, this could be an important stepping stone for bigger changes in the future. If successful, the tourism model in Rason could be replicated in other areas of North Korea, opening up opportunities for tourists to explore this "mysterious land".
North Korea, a mysterious and closed country, has always been an attractive destination for tourists who love to explore and adventure. However, to set foot in this country, visitors must pass through strict entry regulations, considered one of the narrowest "doors" in the world.
Beijing-based Koryo Tours plans to run tours from March that will take guests to North Korean attractions, schools, factories and banks.
Despite the strict regulations, especially regarding entry, most visitors from around the world can still enter North Korea as tourists. However, there are some exceptions that visitors should be aware of.
For South Korean citizens, traveling to North Korea is extremely difficult, almost impossible. To enter North Korea, South Korean citizens need approval from both the South Korean and North Korean governments. In fact, tourism between the two countries is almost non-existent.
As there is no airport in the area, visitors will be taken by bus across the border from the Chinese city of Yanji.
North Korea still accepts tourists from the United States. However, the US government has issued a ban on its citizens traveling to North Korea since September 1. This ban is renewed every year, making it difficult for Americans who want to explore North Korea. In particular, Malaysian citizens are currently banned from entering North Korea under Malaysian government regulations since late 2017.
According to Independent, for Koryo tours, visitors are required to attend a 1-hour pre-trip briefing.
In addition to the above exceptions, visitors to North Korea must also comply with a number of other regulations, including that they must apply for a North Korean tourist visa before arriving. Visitors must join a tour organized by a designated travel agency. Visitors are not allowed to bring prohibited items such as books, propaganda materials, unauthorized electronic devices, etc. In particular, visitors are often required to use foreign currencies such as USD or EUR. Communication with local people is limited. Visitors should follow the instructions of the tour guide.
In addition, visitors to Rason are advised not to bring Korean-made food, business cards and tape recorders.
According to Koryo Tours, North Korea is safe to visit because the country has a low crime rate, so tourists don't have to worry about robberies. However, North Korea has strict rules that tourists must follow. Violations can lead to serious consequences, from fines to deportation or even detention. Any words, gestures or actions that are considered disrespectful to North Korean leaders can lead to trouble.
It is not allowed to bring or disseminate Korean cultural products, movies, books, magazines, songs or any other content originating from Korea into North Korea.
Do not photograph the military or military facilities, photographing soldiers, military vehicles, barracks or military areas is strictly prohibited and may result in inspection or confiscation of equipment.
Do not leave the group or change the itinerary without permission. Guests are not allowed to move around freely and must follow the itinerary set by the tour guide. Leaving the group or going to unauthorized areas may result in heavy fines.
