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North Korea to resume international tourism in Samjiyon, northeastern region, in December
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea will resume international tourism to its northeastern city of Samjiyon in December, and possibly to other parts of the country, travel companies said on Wednesday, August 14.
The move suggests the isolated country is preparing to reopen its borders to more foreign tourists after years of strict COVID-19 border controls.
“We have received confirmation from local partners that tourism in Samjiyon, as well as other parts of South Korea, will officially resume in December 2024,” Beijing-based Koryo Travel said on its website.
Last year, international flights to and from North Korea resumed, and in February a small group of Russian tourists flew to North Korea for private tours. Senior foreign officials have also visited North Korea, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.
But as of 2020, North Korea has not yet been fully opened to international tourists.
“Koryo Travel has waited over four years to make this announcement and we are very excited that travel to North Korea is open again,” the company said, adding that its local partners will confirm itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.
North Korea has been building what it calls a “socialist utopia” and “a model of a highly civilized mountain city” in Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un fired or demoted some senior officials in July for their “irresponsible” management of his flagship Samjiyon project.
Another travel agency, KTG Tours, also announced that tourists can travel to Samjiyon this winter. – Rappler.com
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