In brief
North Korea reverses its tourism policies, citing sudden cancellations just weeks after reopening its borders for Western visitors
North Korea has unexpectedly halted all tourism just weeks after welcoming its first Western visitors in five years. This decision comes on the heels of the country's reclusive stance during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw travel restrictions implemented in early 2020. Although North Korea began easing these regulations in mid-2023, it was only last month that Western tourists were permitted entry to the eastern city of Rason.Several tour companies have announced the cancellation of trips to North Korea without providing a clear explanation for the abrupt change. For example, KTG Tours, based in China and specializing in North Korean tourism, revealed on Facebook that Rason is closed for all travelers, stating, "We will keep you posted." Other tour agencies like Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours echoed this sentiment, advising potential travelers not to book flights for April and May until further details emerge.The first groups of Western tourists entered Rason on February 20, testing new financial initiatives within a designated special economic zone. However, tour operators reported that the visiting experience was highly restricted compared to pre-pandemic times, with limited opportunities to engage with local communities and no access to phone signals or the internet. It has been suggested that Rason was selected due to its manageable size and control.Earlier this week, Koryo Tours had initiated international applications for the upcoming Pyongyang Marathon on April 6, the first time such an event had been offered in five years. However, uncertainty now surrounds the processing of these applications following the abrupt tourism cessation. According to previous reports, North Korea welcomed approximately 350,000 foreign visitors in 2019, with the majority hailing from China.
