After five years of strict border closures, North Korea has reopened its doors to international tourists. The move is seen as an effort to generate much-needed foreign currency to help revive the country’s struggling economy. However, leader Kim Jong-un has imposed strict regulations on foreign travelers to maintain control over their movements and activities.
Why Has North Korea Reopened to Tourists?
North Korea closed its borders at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it one of the last countries to reopen to international visitors. The decision to welcome tourists again comes amid a deepening economic crisis exacerbated by prolonged isolation and international sanctions. Experts believe Pyongyang aims to leverage tourism as a controlled source of revenue while ensuring strict oversight over foreign visitors.
What Are the Restrictions on Foreign Tourists?
Despite the reopening, North Korea has imposed several restrictions on foreign visitors. These include:
- Mandatory Local Guides: Tourists must always be accompanied by government-appointed local guides who ensure adherence to strict protocols.
- Photography Restrictions: Taking photographs of sensitive sites, military installations, or anything deemed inappropriate by North Korean authorities is strictly prohibited.
- Limited Movement: Tourists can only visit designated areas such as Pyongyang and an upcoming tourism site on the east coast.
- No Interaction with Locals: Foreign visitors are discouraged from interacting freely with North Korean citizens to prevent the exchange of unapproved information.
According to analysts, these measures allow the North Korean government to tightly monitor and control the flow of information while benefiting from foreign spending.
Who Has Been Visiting North Korea?
In February 2024, North Korea welcomed its first foreign tourists since the pandemic—100 Russian nationals. This move surprised many, as China, North Korea’s largest trading partner and ally, was expected to be the first source of international visitors.
Official Russian data indicates that 880 Russian tourists visited North Korea throughout 2024, signaling growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Reports suggest North Korea has been supplying weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, further strengthening their alliance.
Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up approximately 90% of North Korea’s total international visitors, with nearly 300,000 visiting annually. Experts believe that while Russian tourists have arrived first, China remains a critical market for North Korea’s tourism industry.
A Brief History of North Korean Tourism
Tourism in North Korea has evolved significantly over the decades:
- 1950s-1980s: Most visitors came from the Soviet Union and socialist bloc countries. Some Western socialists also toured North Korea through agencies run by communist parties.
- 1989: The World Festival of Youth and Students brought thousands of foreign participants to the country.
- 1990s: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, North Korea saw an increase in Western tourists, but Chinese visitors became the mainstay of the industry.
- 2000s-Present: China has remained North Korea’s biggest source of tourism revenue, with many Chinese travelers viewing the country as a convenient and affordable vacation destination.
Why Is China So Important to North Korea?
China and North Korea share deep historical ties dating back to World War II. Despite tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, Beijing has remained its primary economic lifeline.
- Formal Diplomatic Relations (1949): China and North Korea established official ties as new communist states.
- Korean War Support (1950-1953): China backed North Korea during the war, solidifying their military alliance.
- Mutual Defense Treaty (1961): China’s only official defense treaty was signed with North Korea.
- Nuclear Tensions (2006-Present): China has supported UN sanctions against North Korea’s nuclear program but continues to provide economic support.
- Economic Dependence (2023): China accounted for approximately 98% of North Korea’s total imports and exports, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
Although North Korea has strengthened its military ties with Russia, China remains a crucial economic partner. Experts suggest Beijing prefers a stable but economically dependent North Korea rather than a completely isolated and unstable neighbor.
North Korea’s decision to reopen for tourism marks a strategic attempt to boost its economy while maintaining strict control over foreign visitors. While Russian tourists have led the way, China remains the dominant player in Pyongyang’s tourism and economic strategy. However, stringent regulations will likely deter many Western travelers who prefer more freedom during their visits.
As North Korea slowly reintegrates into the global tourism industry, it remains to be seen how the country will balance economic gains with its rigid political ideology. For ongoing coverage of this story and other international developments, visit Coleman News.
