For the first time since closing its borders in January 2020, North Korea appears to be preparing to welcome international tourists once again.
Travel updates announced by Koryo Tours. Screenshot by That's
On February 3, Koryo Tours, a Beijing based specialist in North Korean travel, announced that it had officially opened bookings for trips to North Korea, marking the first time since the pandemic that tourists from China have been allowed to register for entry.
However, no official confirmation has been issued by North Korean authorities, leaving uncertainty over whether these plans will finally materialize.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard whispers of North Korea reopening its doors; back in August 2024, reports suggested that the country was gearing up to resume tourism, only for those expectations to quietly fizzle out.
Read More: North Korea to Reopen for Foreign Tourists
While Koryo Tours and other travel agencies are now accepting bookings, travelers remain cautious, knowing that final approval from both Chinese and North Korean officials is still pending.
For now, Koryo Tours states that while reservations are open, customers will not need to make any payments until official confirmation is received.
If the green light is given, travelers will be contacted to book flights and pay deposits.
What’s on Offer?
The initial tours will focus on Rason, a special economic zone in northeast North Korea that borders China’s Jilin Province and Russia.
Unlike Pyongyang, which typically serves as the centerpiece of North Korean itineraries, Rason offers a glimpse into the country’s unique economic experiments.
Factory visit in Rason, North Korea. Image via Koryo Tours/Facebook
Visitors will have the chance to:
Explore local factories to see North Korea’s industrial side
Watch Taekwondo performances, a sport deeply ingrained in North Korean culture
Rason is also home to the only place tourists can visit a market in North Korea, as well as open a bank account
As one of the least visited areas of North Korea, Rason is an unusual choice for reopening, but its proximity to China and Russia might make it a more controlled and manageable first step for the regime’s cautious re-engagement with tourism.
How Much Does It Cost?
A 5-day (4-night) North Korea tour, combined with a 2-night stay in Yanji, China, starts at EUR705 per person (approximately RMB5,200).
This package is currently being offered by both Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours, another China based North Korea tour operator, with the first departure date as early as February 16.
The fact that multiple agencies are now listing similar itineraries suggests that North Korea’s long-awaited reopening may actually happen this time.
For those seeking adventure and a chance to see one of the world’s most isolated countries, this could be a rare opportunity.
One more thing before you get carried away...
If you are holding a China Transit Visa or entered China via the Visa-free Travel Policy, it is not valid for travel to Rason as you will need a full Chinese visa for this trip.
However, given North Korea’s history of sudden policy reversals and tight control over tourist experiences, travelers should remain aware of the risks and keep an eye on official announcements before making any plans.
READ MORE: I Spent a Week in North Korea with Dennis Rodman
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[Cover image via Koryo Tours/Facebook]
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