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Reopening to visitors after Covid-19
According to Yonhap News Agency, Koryo Tours (China), a company specializing in tours to North Korea, said it had been informed by its partners in North Korea about the resumption of tourism to Samjiyon – a city in the northeastern part of the country, near the border between North Korea and China – later this year.
"After more than four years of waiting, Koryo Tours is delighted that tourism in North Korea is reopening," the company announced on its website, adding that the official itinerary and dates will be announced in the coming weeks by its travel partner in North Korea. Another travel company, KTG Tours (China), also announced on social media that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon starting this winter.
Images of tourists in North Korea in 2018.
The city of Samjiyon has recently been developed by North Korea into a tourist destination with many new constructions, such as ski resorts, luxury hotels, and modern infrastructure. According to sources, this city is also where North Korean founder Kim Il-sung fought against the Japanese occupying forces and launched the revolution. It was a popular destination for Chinese tourists before the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a near-total lockdown of North Korea's borders from the outside world for several years.
Tourists can visit North Korea during this time.lastthis year.
Since mid-last year, the country has begun easing restrictions with the resumption of international flights, allowing citizens stranded due to the pandemic to return home. Around 100 Russian tourists were welcomed to North Korea in early 2024. High-ranking foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have also visited the country. However, North Korea has not fully opened its doors to international tourists since 2020. If you are planning a trip to North Korea, please monitor updates from travel companies and government agencies for the most accurate information.
