North Korea halts tourism just weeks after reopening

North Korea has recently and abruptly suspended the entry of foreign tourists, just weeks after allowing Western tourists to enter for the first time in five years. This move has sparked widespread attention, and the specific reasons remain unclear, prompting speculation about internal concerns or policy shifts.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, North Korea has implemented strict lockdown measures. While restrictions began to gradually ease in mid-2023, with Russian tourists being allowed entry in 2024, it was only last month that Western tourists were permitted to enter the northeastern border city of Rason, signifying a cautious reopening strategy.

Several travel companies are now reporting that tours to North Korea have been canceled, and the specific resumption time is currently unknown. KTG Tours, a China-based company specializing in North Korea travel, stated on Facebook on Wednesday: "We have just received news from our Korean partners that Rason has been closed to all. We will keep you updated as we receive more information." Other travel agencies, such as Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours, have also announced the suspension of their tourism operations, highlighting the immediate impact of the closure.

Young Pioneer Tours stated in a Facebook post that tourists planning to travel to North Korea in April and May should avoid booking flights "until we have more information." The first group of Western tourists arrived in Rason on February 20th, a city designated by North Korea as a special economic zone aimed at experimenting with new financial policies. Tourism operators revealed to the BBC that tourists' movements were more restricted than before the pandemic, with fewer opportunities to wander the streets and talk to locals, reflecting ongoing concerns about external influence. Phone signals and internet access also remain unavailable in this isolated nation.

One tour leader stated that he suspected Rason was chosen because the area is relatively isolated and easy to control. Earlier this week, Koryo Tours stated that they were accepting international applications for the Pyongyang Marathon for the first time in five years. The event was originally scheduled for April 6th, but it is currently unclear whether these applications can still be processed, casting doubt on the event's future. According to media reports, North Korea hosted approximately 350,000 foreign tourists in 2019, 90% of whom were Chinese, demonstrating the country's reliance on Chinese tourism.