North Korea to resume international tourism in December Starting with Samjiyon

North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists starting in December, initially focusing on the northeastern city of Samjiyon and potentially extending to other areas of the country, according to tour operators.

This development signals a significant shift after years of stringent COVID-19 border restrictions, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on its website that it has received confirmation from its local partner about the planned resumption of tourism in Samjiyon and likely throughout North Korea in December 2024.

International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and a few Russian tourists visited the country for a private tour in February. High-profile foreign visitors, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have also traveled to North Korea recently.

However, North Korea has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. Koryo Tours expressed enthusiasm about the reopening after a four-year wait and mentioned that detailed itineraries and dates will be confirmed by their local partner in the coming weeks.

In Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, North Korea has been developing what it describes as a "socialist utopia" and a "model mountain city," complete with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. This project has seen some controversy, with Leader Kim Jong Un recently removing or demoting senior officials for their "irresponsible" management of the Samjiyon development.

Another travel agency, KTG Tours, has also confirmed that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon starting this winter.