North Korea to Resume International Tourism: Samjiyon Opens Up

North Korea is set to resume international tourism in December, starting with its northeastern city of Samjiyon, according to statements by tour companies on Wednesday.

This development signals the reclusive nation's plans to reopen its borders to larger groups of foreign tourists following years of strict COVID-19 restrictions. Beijing-based Koryo Tours revealed on its website that local partners had confirmed tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of North Korea would officially restart in December 2024.

International flights resumed last year, and a small group of Russian tourists flew to North Korea for a private tour in February. High-profile foreign visits like that of Russian President Vladimir Putin in June have increased, although the country hasn't fully reopened to international tourists since 2020.

Koryo Tours expressed excitement over this long-awaited announcement, while awaiting further confirmation on itineraries and dates in the coming weeks. The firm highlighted North Korea's ongoing efforts to develop Samjiyon into a 'socialist utopia' featuring new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and other facilities.

In July, Leader Kim Jong Un had dismissed or demoted top officials for mishandling the Samjiyon project. Another agency, KTG Tours, also announced that tourism to Samjiyon would be possible starting this winter.

(With inputs from agencies.)