North Korea will open its borders to tourism for the first time since the pandemic

North Korea will reopen its borders to tourism in December 2024. (Getty Images)

North Korea is about to open up Public tourism For the first time in nearly five years, it allowed foreigners to enter from various countries after closing its borders at the start of the virus pandemic COVID-19.

Two major tour operators for overseas visitors said on Wednesday, August 14, that they had heard from their partners. North Korea The opening of the cruises will begin in December 2024. The trips will initially be in Samgeon, near the border with China, and then possibly to other parts of the country.He said Corio Tours In a statement.

KTG Tours He posted on social media that he was told visitors could go Samjeon Starting this winter.

Foreign tourism was a relevant source of foreign currency for North Korea. (Christian Peterson-Clason/Reuters)

The rule of Kim Jong Un It began easing its border controls a year ago, but has not opened to groups Tourists During their time, the government had a hard source of cash, with few foreign exchange reserves. Those visitors were isolated from international banking and provided funds to help carry out transactions abroad.

Earlier this year, North Korea Allowed tourist arrivals Russia. This is a sign of the close relations between the neighboring countries, which occurred then America And other countries have blamed it Kim Arms should be sent The Kremlin To help the President Vladimir Putin In his attack on Ukraine.

Officials are closely monitoring foreign visitors to North Korea. (Archive)

Officers North Korean They keep a close watch on visitors from abroad, who are usually only allowed to stay in accommodation for foreigners and their movement around the country is restricted. “I am delighted to return to North Korea after five years,” Nick Bonner, co-founder of Koryo Tours, said in an email.