North Korea reopens Rason city to international tourists, excluding US, South Korea

North Korea has reopened the northeastern border city of Rason to tourists from China and other countries, marking the first time non-Russian travellers can visit since the country closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Rowan Beard of Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), the decision allows tourists from all nations, except the United States and South Korea, to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone (SEZ) from January 16, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

YPT, citing local partners in the DPRK, confirmed that Chinese visitors are expected to be the first to enter the zone.

“The plan is to open immediately for both Chinese and all other foreign guests, with Chinese visitors expected to be the first into the zone,” YPT stated in an announcement. “It is anticipated that these initial trips will last up to five days.

Notably, Chinese visitors won’t even need full passports for these trips, as special single-entry travel permits to North Korea are arranged for them.”

Koryo Tours, another tour agency, also confirmed the reopening of Rason, stating on its website that "the border to Rason has officially opened to tourism."

Russian nationals have been able to visit several locations in North Korea since early last year, but the opening of Rason marks the first instance of the DPRK allowing non-Russian international tourists since the onset of the pandemic.

Beard noted that for now, Rason is the only area in North Korea open to foreign visitors who are not Russian nationals. He explained, “Rason being a special economic zone operates completely separate from mainland North Korea. It’s great to see they’ve taken the initiative to be the first to reopen to foreigners other than Russian nationals.”

Simon Cockerell of Koryo Tours commented on the tourist appeal of the region, saying, “Rason, as a tourist destination, is not on paper the most thrilling, but it is unique in its location and situation.” Cockerell added that Rason is known for its economic experimentation, including North Korea’s first legal market and mobile phone network. “It’s a remote and unusual area, noted mostly for being the site of economic experimentation,” he said.

The region has long been a key hub for North Korean arms deliveries to Russia, and it is North Korea's only SEZ, which grants local authorities greater control over trade and governance, though most trade with the country remains heavily sanctioned.

Beard further highlighted that the reopening of Rason could serve as a controlled way for North Korea to resume tourism while generating foreign currency and maintaining tight oversight. "It’s likely a cautious step, ensuring minimal exposure of DPRK citizens to outside influence, which remains a significant concern for Kim Jong Un."

Given its proximity to China and Russia, Rason is an ideal location for travellers from these neighbouring countries. Its infrastructure is already tailored to accommodate foreign businesspeople and tourists.

Beard added that the latest move signals the DPRK's intention to open other regions to international travellers, though he expects this to occur only after April. This follows reports from two other tour agencies last year that indicated the far northern city of Samjiyon, near Mount Paektu, would be opened to international tourists in December.

By Aghakazim Guliyev