North Korea reopens borders to tourists. Destination: A “socialist utopia” that only appears on postage stamps

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North Korea will resume international tourism to Samjiyon in December, travel companies announced Wednesday. The city, known as a “socialist utopia” and the brainchild of Kim Jong Un, is only seen on postage stamps.

The flood of travel deals suggests the most remote country on Earth is preparing to reopen its borders to more foreign tourists after years of strict border controls due to the coronavirus pandemic. Reuters.

“We have received confirmation from our local partners that tourism in Samjiyon, as well as the rest of the country, will officially resume in December 2024.”, said Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency.

International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, with a small group of Russian tourists flying to the country on a private tour in February. Senior foreign officials have visited the country, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.

But North Korea has not been fully open to international tourists since 2020.

“After waiting more than four years to make this announcement, Koryo Travel is very excited to open North Korea to tourism again.the agency said, adding that its local partners would confirm itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.

The official image of the “socialist utopia” broadcast only on North Korean TV in 2019

North Korea has established what it calls a “Socialist Utopia“In Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border,”A model of a highly civilized mountain city” with new apartments, hotels, ski resorts, and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.