North Korea to reopen border for international tourists
Nearly all tourists have been shut out of the country since 2020 due to strict COVID restrictions. But tour companies now say the border into the city of Samjiyon, and possibly the rest of the country, is set to open again.
Friday 16 August 2024 11:16, UK
Fancy a change from your typical summer holiday locations?
Well, you could be in luck, as North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists later this year.
Tour companies have said the border into the northeastern city of Samjiyon, and possibly the rest of the country, will open for the first time in more than four years.
International tourists were shut out of the country in 2020 due to strict COVID restrictions.
Since then, only a small group of private Russian tourists have been allowed into the country, while Russian President Vladimir Putin visited in June.
Beijing-based company Koryo Tours said it was "very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again".
The travel firm said itineraries would be confirmed in the coming weeks, with international tourism to Samjiyon set to resume in December.
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North Korea has been building what it calls a "socialist utopia" in the Chinese-border city Samjiyon.
New apartments, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities have been built as part of a project to create a "highly-civilised mountain city".
However, glimpses into the country from the Russian tourist trip back in February showed trips may not live up to what is offered.
The group of around 100 Russians paid $750 (£582) each for the four-day trip but reported travelling on an old plane that "smelt of mothballs" and being accompanied by a personal guide when at a ski resort.