North Korea has re-closed its borders to Western group tourists after a short reopening period of three weeks. Korea Tour confirmed the suspension of Rason tourism, with agencies expressing uncertainty about the situation. Previously, North Korea had closed its borders due to COVID-19 in January 2020, only beginning to accept foreign tourists again in September 2023, initially from Russia. Despite plans for an international marathon to bolster tourism, the unexpected halt raises concerns about the industry’s recovery.
North Korea has temporarily ceased accepting Western group tourists again, just three weeks after reopening to such visitors for the first time in five years. Reports from AFP indicate that Korea Tour, a British-owned travel agency in Beijing, confirmed via their website and social media that Rason tourism is currently on hold, stating, “we have been informed that Rason tourism has been temporarily closed.”
Korea Tour indicated that they are working to understand the current situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Furthermore, Simon Corkorell, head of Koryo Tour, mentioned that tourists in North Korea would continue their planned journeys uninterrupted. Other agencies, including Young Pioneer Tour and KTG Tour, have also acknowledged the temporary suspension, noting uncertainty regarding the duration and reasons behind the decision.
North Korea had closed its borders in January 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing foreigners back for the first time in September 2023, albeit initially limited to tourists from Russia. The recent inclusion of Western tourists at the end of last month marked a significant development, with visitors from countries such as France, Germany, and Britain sharing their experiences.
Koryo Tour had recently planned to recruit participants for the upcoming 31st Pyongyang International Marathon, which is scheduled for the 6th of next month. The marathon tour package, priced at 2,195 euros, encompasses various attractions in Pyongyang outside of the event fees. This development seemed to signal an emerging reopening of tourism in North Korea; however, the unexpected suspension has disrupted these aspirations.
NK News has quoted experts expressing concerns regarding the potential recovery of North Korean tourism, emphasizing that the regime’s efforts to control external information due to fears of ideological contamination may hinder the industry’s revival to pre-pandemic levels.
In summary, North Korea’s recent decision to suspend Western group tourism shortly after a brief reopening represents a setback for its tourism industry. This situation underscores the uncertainty surrounding North Korea’s tourism prospects in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The limitation on group tours further highlights the challenges posed by the regime’s strict controls on external influences and information.
Original Source: www.mk.co.kr
