North Korea Halts Foreign Tourism Shortly After Reopening

North Korea has suspended foreign tourism just weeks after reopening, following a five-year hiatus. The decision is unexpected and unclear, affecting tours to Rason. Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours have cancelled trips until further notice, while the country strengthens its ties with Russia. The U.S. continues its travel ban to North Korea.

North Korea has unexpectedly ceased all foreign tourism, just weeks after reopening for the first time in five years. This decision follows the country’s gradual easing of pandemic restrictions that began in 2023. Previously, North Korea opened its borders to Russian tourists in 2024 and welcomed international visitors, including those from Britain, Canada, France, and Germany, to the city of Rason. During their visit, tourists were shown various local sites but were not permitted to enter the capital, Pyongyang.

Tour operators reported that travel to North Korea has been suspended indefinitely, with the reasons behind this decision remaining unclear. Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency, announced, “We have been informed that Rason is temporarily CLOSED. It’s an unprecedented situation.” Young Pioneer Tours, also based in China, advised potential travelers to refrain from booking flights for tours in April and May, offering refunds for any cancellations.

Prior to the pandemic, North Korea experienced significant tourism, particularly from Chinese nationals, who contributed approximately $175 million in revenue in 2019. Recent reports indicate a strengthening relationship between North Korea and Russia, with nearly 900 Russian tourists visiting North Korea in 2024, according to the South Korean Unification Ministry. It is important to note that the United States has forbidden its citizens from traveling to North Korea since 2017, following the tragic case of American student Otto Warmbier.

In summary, North Korea’s abrupt halt to foreign tourism signifies an unexpected turn in its post-pandemic recovery just weeks after reopening. The reasons for this suspension remain ambiguous, impacting tour operators and potential travelers. As North Korea strengthens ties with Russia, the future of international tourism in the country remains uncertain, particularly for visitors from other regions and those from the United States, who face travel restrictions.

Original Source: www.paxnews.com