After 5 years, North Korea shuts its doors to Western tourists once again

North Korea has suspended foreign tourism to its border city of Rason, just weeks after allowing a group of international tourists to visit the country for the first time in five years.

The suspension has raised questions about the country’s tourism future, as foreign visitors remain a rare sight in the isolated nation.

Suspension announced by tour operators

Tour group operators, including Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), and China-based KTG Tours, confirmed that the northeastern city of Rason is now off-limits to foreign visitors. KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean travel, shared the update via a Facebook post, stating: “Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted.”

YPT also advised potential travelers planning tours in April and May to delay booking flights until further information is available.

First international tourists in five years

In February, 13 international tourists from countries including the U.K., Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy were able to visit Rason. The group participated in a five-day trip organized by Koryo Tours. These tourists were the first non-Russian visitors to enter North Korea since it closed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The travelers, who crossed into North Korea from China by land, toured the city, visiting local factories, shops, schools, and monuments dedicated to the country’s first two supreme leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Challenges to North Korea’s tourism industry

Before the pandemic, tourism was a significant source of foreign currency for North Korea, with a large portion of visitors coming from China. However, experts suggest that the restrictions imposed on foreign tourists—such as mandatory guides and photography bans at sensitive sites—may limit the country’s efforts to develop tourism as a sustainable industry.

Koryo Tours reported that the group’s movements in Rason were more tightly controlled compared to previous trips, with fewer opportunities for independent exploration or interaction with locals.

Potential tourism sites and future uncertainty

Despite the recent closure of Rason, North Korea has plans to open a major tourism site along its east coast in June. This development has raised hopes that the country might soon welcome more foreign visitors, although it remains uncertain how strict restrictions will continue to impact the overall tourism experience.

Moreover, North Korea has reopened international applications for the Pyongyang Marathon for the first time since the pandemic. However, it remains unclear whether these applications will be processed for the event scheduled for April 6.

Experts believe that North Korea will likely focus on monitoring and controlling foreign tourists in Rason, the capital Pyongyang, and the new east coast tourism site. These locations are seen as the easiest for authorities to manage and oversee foreign visitors.