North Korea has reopened to tourists after a five-year hiatus, with tours available to the city of Rason, located near the borders of China and Russia. Koryo Tours, based in Beijing, is offering a package for $720, which includes four nights in Rason and two nights in Yanji, China. The first tour will coincide with the birthday of Kim Jong Il, celebrated on February 16 with public displays and parades.
Although Pyongyang remains closed to tourists, the Rason region, known as North Korea’s special economic zone, will feature attractions such as the Sea Cucumber Breeding Farm and the Paekhaksan Foodstuff Processing Factory. Tourists will also be able to visit the Three Countries Border Viewpoint, offering views of China and Russia, and open a North Korean bank account.
The country is reopening cautiously, driven by a need for foreign currency, as tourism was a significant revenue source pre-pandemic. However, security concerns remain after the 2017 incident involving American student Otto Warmbier, which led to a U.S. travel ban. The tours will proceed with strict control, and travel to Rason requires crossing the Chinese border as the city lacks an international airport.
