North Korea Suspends Tourism Again Just Weeks After Reopening to West

North Korea has suspended tourism just weeks after allowing Western group tourists for the first time in five years. Korea Tour confirmed the closure of Rason tourism, while travelers currently in the country will complete their journeys. The tourism industry faces uncertainty, particularly with upcoming events like the Pyongyang Marathon, and experts doubt a return to pre-COVID-19 levels amid strict information control.

North Korea has once again suspended tourism activities, just three weeks after welcoming Western group tourists for the first time in five years. Korea Tour, a British-owned travel agency based in Beijing, announced that Rason tourism has been temporarily closed, marking an unexpected turn in operations. The agency is actively seeking further clarity regarding the situation and plans to communicate updates promptly.

Travelers currently in North Korea will continue their trips as planned, according to Simon Corkorell, the head of Koryo Tour. Meanwhile, Young Pioneer Tour, another agency, has confirmed the suspension based on information from its partners, while KTG Tour expressed uncertainty about the reasons for the closure and its duration.

Since January 2020, North Korea has maintained closed borders due to COVID-19. The country began to allow foreign visitors in September 2023, initially restricting group tourists to Russian citizens. However, at the end of last month, Western tourists were permitted to visit the special economic zone in Rason, receiving positive feedback from travelers from France, Germany, and the UK.

Koryo Tour recently offered a tour package for the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon, scheduled to take place on April 6th. The package includes visits to various locations in Pyongyang, priced at €2,195 per person, not including visa fees. This development hinted at a potential revival of tourism in Pyongyang following the resumption of Western tourism, yet the sudden suspension poses challenges for the industry.

Experts consulted by NK News noted that it remains uncertain if North Korean tourism will regain pre-COVID-19 levels due to the regime’s strict control over information and fear of ideological contamination.

The recent announcement of the temporary suspension of tourism in North Korea, following a brief reopening to Western group tourists, raises concerns for the country’s tourism industry. Despite initial optimism surrounding recent tours and upcoming events like the Pyongyang International Marathon, the uncertainty regarding tourist access could hinder the potential recovery of this sector post-COVID-19.

Original Source: www.mk.co.kr