North Korea reopens to Western tourists for first time in five years

A China-based tourist group became the first operators to lead tourism to the isolated nation.

Koryo Tours' staff crossed into North Korea's northeastern border city of Rason in the early hours of Thursday as part of "a special trip for staff only" since the country is not yet fully open to tourism, according to the website of the Beijing-based British tour agency as quoted by The Korea Times.

Nicolas Pasquali, one of the tourists, told Channel News Asia: "I got a phone call saying, ‘Okay, North Korea is open. Are you coming?’ I said: ‘Boom, sure. I already have my backpack, my passport, some money with me’."

Along with 11 other tourists, Nicolas, who claims to have visited all the nations across the globe, crossed the border from China's Yanji to North Korea’s Rason.

During his stay in the country, Nicolas visited the special economic zone where schools, factories and breweries are located.

“They were kind of cautious with us, taking care of us. They were concerned about how we were going to behave,” he told CNA.

“So if we did something wrong, (there is a) high chance that they will ban any foreign tourists after us because of this reason," he said.

According to reports, North Korea has opened tours to Chinese and foreign visitors from other nations except South Korea and the USA.

Koryo Tours

Inviting travellers to North Korea, Koryo Tours wrote on its website: "Rason North Korea tours are now open for booking. You can book a spot today and prepare for your own North Korea adventure! Tours to Pyongyang are still unavailable."

Young Pioneer Tours, another travel company specializing in North Korea tours, also added its North Korean tour itiniery to its website.

"Our Ultra Budget tours to North Korea start and finish in Dandong – the border town of China to North Korea. All tour prices include entry and exit into North Korea by train, with optional flight upgrades available for selected tours," read the website of the tour operator.

Pyongyang Still Not Open

North Korea remains one of the most secretive and repressive nations in the world.

Several international sanctions have been lobbed against it due to its nuclear programmes.

Tourists must be accompanied by an official guide at all times. Those who behave inappropriately in North Korea’s eyes – such as talking to North Koreans without authorisation – could face fines, arrest or detention, reported CNA.

With relationships improving between North Korea and Russia, people from the neighbouring nation have been allowed to enter the Kim Jon Un-ruled country since February 2024.

They are the only people who can enter Pyogyang.

Foreign visitors are not allowed to enter the capital city.

Analysts told CNA the reopening of the capital will send an important signal that the country is more open to the outside world.

According to reports, Chinese tourists have not received the green light from their country to enter North Korea.

Before the pandemic began, they formed the majority of the tourists that visited North Korea.

However, relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have become strained due to the Russia-Ukraine war that broke out in 2022. North Korean troops have been sent to aid Russia’s invasion, while China has been trying to project a neutral stance on the war, reported CNA.