North Korea Reopens Borders to Tourists After Five Years, Aiming to Boost Economy Amidst Strict Regulations

After five years of isolation, North Korea has cautiously reopened its borders to international tourists, signaling a move to revitalize its struggling economy. The primary goal is to generate foreign currency, a crucial need for the heavily sanctioned nation. While tourism was once a significant source of income, the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a halt. The reopening began with a small group of Russian tourists in late 2023, followed by a larger group in early 2024. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists dominated, accounting for nearly 90% of visitors. However, the initial post-pandemic arrivals have been Russian, with approximately 880 Russian tourists visiting by the end of 2024. Despite the reopening, strict regulations remain. Tourists must be accompanied by local guides, and photography of sensitive sites is prohibited. North Korea plans to open a large tourism destination on its eastern coast in June 2024, focusing on controlled areas like Pyongyang and the eastern coast development. The absence of Chinese group tours raises questions about North Korea's long-term tourism policies and economic partnerships, as they previously brought in a significant influx of foreign currency, with up to 300,000 visiting annually.