North Korea will resume international tourism to the northeastern city of Samjiyon in December and possibly to the rest of the country, tourism companies said on Wednesday (14).
The move is a sign that the internationally isolated country is preparing to reopen its borders to larger groups of foreign tourists after years of strict border controls because of Covid-19.
“We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024,” Beijing-based Koryo Tours said on its website.
International flights in and out of North Korea resumed last year, and a small group of Russian tourists flew to North Korea for a private tour in February. High-ranking foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have visited the country.
But North Korea has not been fully open to international tourists since 2020.
“After waiting more than four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited about opening up North Korean tourism once again,” the company said, adding that its local partner would confirm itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.
North Korea has been building what it has called a “socialist utopia” in Samjiyon, a city near the border with China, and “a model of a highly civilized mountain town” with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.
In July, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un fired or demoted several senior officials for “irresponsibly” handling of his flagship Samjiyon project.
Another travel agency, KTG Tours, also announced that tourists would be able to go to Samjiyon starting this winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
