North Korea has announced plans to officially reopen its borders to international tourists by the end of 2024, marking a significant shift after nearly five years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision signals a major change in North Korea’s approach to engaging with the world and represents a move to revive its tourism sector, which has been inactive since early 2020. The announcement has sparked excitement among travelers and travel agencies alike, who are preparing for the upcoming tourism revival.
In response to North Korea’s announcement, several travel companies in Vietnam have quickly begun organizing plans for tours to the country, starting next year. The Vietnamese market, which has shown growing interest in North Korean tourism, is gearing up to provide new travel experiences to this previously inaccessible destination. Tour operators are actively communicating with potential tourists, offering notifications about packages and itineraries that will allow them to explore the unique culture and landscapes of North Korea once again. The enthusiasm among travel agencies indicates that Vietnam could be one of the key contributors to North Korea’s reentry into the global tourism market.
Vietnamese interest in North Korea is not entirely new. The surge in tourism between the two countries followed the high-profile second US-North Korea summit, which was held in Hà Nội in early 2019. At that time, curiosity about North Korea increased significantly, and Vietnamese tourists were eager to explore a country that had long been shrouded in mystery. Nguyễn Công Hoan, CEO of Flamingo Redtours, previously explained that the most convenient route for Vietnamese tourists to visit North Korea is through Beijing, where they can fly directly to Pyongyang. This route is likely to become even more popular as North Korea prepares to reopen its doors.
Further developments have emerged from Koryo Tours, a travel agency based in Beijing, which has been closely involved in organizing trips to North Korea. On August 14, the agency announced via its official website that tours to North Korea would resume as early as December 2024. Samjiyon, a city located near the Chinese border, will be the first destination open to international tourists, offering a glimpse into North Korea’s lesser-known regions. There are also possibilities that more destinations within North Korea will become accessible as the country gradually eases restrictions and opens up more of its territory to visitors.
This phased reopening of North Korea’s tourism sector is expected to attract adventurous travelers seeking new experiences in one of the world’s most enigmatic nations. With the prospect of exploring cities like Samjiyon and possibly other locations in the future, tourists will have the chance to witness North Korea’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks firsthand. The coming years could see a renewed surge in tourism between North Korea and Vietnam, as travel agencies work to facilitate seamless journeys into the heart of this mysterious country.
KTG Tours, a tour operator specializing in North Korean tourism, recently announced that foreign tourists will have the opportunity to visit Samjiyon starting this winter. The company expressed optimism that Pyongyang will also soon reopen its doors to international visitors. This development marks a significant step in North Korea’s gradual reintroduction to global tourism, as the country looks to attract more foreign travelers after years of isolation.
Samjiyon is being transformed by North Korea into what it describes as a “civilized mountain town,” featuring modern apartments, hotels, ski resorts, and a variety of new commercial facilities. The town is positioned as a showcase of North Korea’s efforts to develop its tourism infrastructure, offering visitors a unique blend of nature and modernity. As work on this ambitious project progresses, Samjiyon is set to become a key destination for international tourists eager to explore the country’s evolving landscape.
