The reclusive nation has largely been closed to vacationers since 2020, when it imposed strict COVID-19 border controls.
North Korea is about to reopen its borders to worldwide guests after years of strict COVID-19 border controls, say two Chinese language tour operators.
Beijing-based Koryo Excursions introduced on its web site on Wednesday that the reclusive nation could be welcoming vacationers to the northeastern metropolis of Samjiyon and “probably the remainder of the nation” in December 2024.
“Having waited for over 4 years to make this announcement, Koryo Excursions may be very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism as soon as once more,” mentioned the operator.
Massive Information! https://t.co/RTEsf1BB97 pic.twitter.com/g0XbeJhGYG
— Koryo Excursions (@KoryoTours) August 14, 2024
KTG Excursions, primarily based in Shenyang, additionally introduced that vacationers would have the ability to go to Samjiyon beginning on the finish of 2024.
North Korea has largely been closed to worldwide vacationers since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Koryo Excursions, which has been working within the nation for over 30 years, mentioned it had by no means come throughout such a prolonged closure of the borders.
Worldwide flights out and in of North Korea solely resumed final yr, when a small group of Russian tourists flew there for a non-public tour in February.
Their arrival got here as Moscow and Pyongyang bolstered ties, with North Korea’s chief Kim Jong Un making a uncommon abroad journey to fulfill Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia final September, the latter visiting North Korea in June.
The Russian tour group included individuals within the tourism enterprise and “travellers from actually all components of Russia from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok”, mentioned the Russian embassy in Pyongyang on the time.
North Korea has been constructing what it has known as a “socialist utopia” in Samjiyon, a metropolis close to the Chinese language border, billing it as “a mannequin of extremely civilised mountain metropolis”, with new residences, inns, a ski resort and business, cultural and medical services.
Again in July, Kim sacked or demoted some senior officers for his or her “irresponsible” dealing with of his flagship Samjiyon venture.
Koryo Excursions visited the town again in 2018 whereas aiding British tv star Michael Palin with a journey documentary.
The operator mentioned its web site could be open for bookings as soon as its native companion confirmed itineraries and dates within the coming weeks.
“Your security is our precedence,” it mentioned. “And your enjoyment too!”
