North Korea has indefinitely suspended tourism for Western groups just weeks after reopening, causing confusion for travelers and affecting the tourism industry. Foreign visitors had recently begun to be welcomed, particularly in Rason’s economic zone, but the sudden reinstatement of restrictions raises doubts about the future of tourism recovery in the country.
North Korea has once again closed its borders to Western group tourists, only three weeks after initially reopening to them following a five-year hiatus. According to a report from AFP, the British-owned travel agency, Korea Tour, informed its customers via social media that ‘Rason tourism has been temporarily closed.’ The agency characterized the situation as unprecedented and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Those currently visiting North Korea will be allowed to complete their trips as planned, as confirmed by Simon Corkorell, head of Koryo Tour. Young Pioneer Tour, another agency operating in the region, echoed this sentiment, stating that they have been notified of the temporary suspension of tourism in Rason. KTG Tour, a Spain-based agency, also expressed uncertainty regarding the duration of this closure.
Following the complete border shutdown in January 2020 due to COVID-19, North Korea only began welcoming foreigners again in September 2023, initially allowing group tourists from Russia. Just last month, Western tourists had begun visiting Rason’s special economic zone, where travel agencies featured favorable reviews from visitors from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in their promotional materials.
Additionally, Koryo Tour has plans to recruit participants for the upcoming Pyongyang International Marathon, scheduled for next month. This tour package includes various excursions in Pyongyang, priced at 2,195 euros per person, excluding costs for visas and race registration. Such planned activities hinted at a more significant revival of tourism in North Korea, particularly with the marathon attracting international visitors. However, the recent abrupt closure has left the local tourism industry in an uncomfortable position.
Expert commentary quoted by NK News suggests that it remains uncertain whether North Korean tourism will return to pre-pandemic levels due to the regime’s emphasis on controlling external information and an inherent fear of ideological contamination. The ongoing suspensions and limitations on tourism continue to challenge the North Korean economy, which has heavily relied on foreign visitors prior to the pandemic.
In summary, North Korea’s tourism sector faces significant challenges as it abruptly reverted to a suspension of Western group tours shortly after reopening. Only weeks had passed since the acceptance of foreign travelers at Rason, with signs suggesting a potential recovery through events like the Pyongyang International Marathon. However, the regime’s ongoing restrictions and paranoia regarding external influences complicate the future of tourism in the country.
Original Source: www.mk.co.kr
