North Korea Welcomes Western Tourists After Years of Isolation
For the first time in five years, North Korea has opened its doors to Western tourists, signaling a cautious step toward greater openness. This historic move marks a significant shift for a country that has remained largely closed off to international visitors since January 2020.
Beijing-based travel company Koryo Tours organized a 5-day trip for a group of 13 international travelers. The tourists hailed from diverse nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy. Crossing by land from China, they entered the northeastern North Korean city of Rason, a special economic zone known for its unique blend of tradition and development.
Exploring Rason: A Glimpse Inside North Korea
During their stay in the border city, the group visited local shops, schools, factories, and paid respects at statues of the late Kim Il-sung, the country’s founder, and Kim Jong-il, father of current leader Kim Jong-un. These stops offered a rare look into daily life in one of the world’s most secretive nations.
Simon Cockerell, General Manager of Koryo Tours, expressed excitement about the opportunity. “Since January 2020, North Korea has been completely closed to all international tourists,” he said. “We’re thrilled to finally have an opening in the Rason region, located in the far northeast of the country.”
A New Chapter for North Korea Tourism
This development could pave the way for more travel opportunities in the future. Documenting such experiences online can help demystify North Korea and attract adventurous travelers seeking unique destinations.
While the trip was limited to Rason, it’s a promising sign of potential growth in North Korea tourism. For now, visitors and travel enthusiasts eagerly await further updates on this evolving story.
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