North Korea Tourism to Reopen to International Tourist by 2024
Two tour companies, Koryo Tours and KTG Tours, have announced that North Korea Tourism will reopen limited international tourism by the end of 2024. This development is noteworthy as the country has been mostly closed off to the outside world due to the pandemic and ongoing political tensions. The decision to allow tourists back into North Korea marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to tourism.
Samjiyon: The Birthplace of Kim Jong Il
One of the key highlights of the upcoming tours is the inclusion of Samjiyon, a mountainous city that holds immense historical significance. Samjiyon is known as the birthplace of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong II and is near the summit of Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. This area is deeply embedded in North Korean culture, often referred to as the cradle of the Korean people.
Mount Paektu: A Symbol of North Korean Heritage
Visiting Mount Paektu is not just a tourist activity but a cultural and religious pilgrimage for many North Koreans. The mountain is associated with the legendary “Paektu” bloodline, which is believed to give legitimacy to the ruling Kim family. This connection adds an additional layer of significance to the tours, making them more than just a sightseeing experience.
Tourism as a Revenue Source Amid Sanctions
Despite being under strict international sanctions due to its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs, North Korea sees tourism as a viable source of revenue. The country has been isolated for years, and tourism presents an opportunity to bring in much-needed funds. The decision to reopen for tourism, even on a limited scale, could help the country financially while still maintaining its strict control over visitors.
Kim Jong Un’s Involvement in Samjiyon’s Development
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, personally inspected the construction sites within Samjiyon earlier in July, signaling the importance of this region to the regime. His involvement underscores the significance of this area and the government’s commitment to developing it as a key tourist destination.
Impact of the Pandemic on North Korean Tourism
The pandemic has significantly impacted North Korea, with the country’s borders being sealed from the outside world for an extended period. This isolation was only breached by small tour groups from Russia, indicating how seriously the government took the threat of COVID-19. The reopening of tourism by the end of 2024 suggests that the country is beginning to emerge from its pandemic-induced isolation.
Future of Tourism in North Korea
The announcements from Koryo Tours and KTG Tours come about a month after Kim Jong Un visited the Wonsan-Kalma zone, a new beachside tourism site under development on the country’s eastern coast. This move hints at a broader strategy to boost tourism in various parts of North Korea, potentially opening up more regions to international visitors in the future.
North Korea’s decision to reopen to international tourism by 2024 represents a cautious yet significant step towards re-engaging with the outside world. With a focus on historically and culturally significant sites like Samjiyon and Mount Paektu, the country aims to attract tourists while showcasing its heritage. Despite ongoing international sanctions, tourism could provide North Korea with much-needed revenue, making this development one to watch closely in the coming years.