North Korea to welcome first tourists since 2020

North Korea is poised to admit its first group of tourists since the onset of pandemic-related border lockdowns in early 2020.

A Russian agency based in Vladivostok is advertising the four-day tour, scheduled to depart on February 9, which includes stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort.

This marks a significant move for North Korea, which had imposed stringent border controls during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained closed to foreigners.

The tour was arranged during talks in December when the governor of Russia's Primorsky Krai, bordering North Korea, visited Pyongyang. Simon Cockerell, the general manager at Beijing-based Koryo Tours, confirmed that his North Korean partners indicated the Russian visit is proceeding under special circumstances.

While cautiously optimistic, Cockerell noted that it might not necessarily lead to a broader opening due to the unique circumstances surrounding this specific trip.

This development follows a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September, where they pledged increased cooperation despite international sanctions.

Notably, tourism remains largely unaffected by UN Security Council resolutions aimed at restricting business with North Korea due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

With no tourists for over four years, this move is seen as a positive step forward, potentially indicating a shift in North Korea's approach to international visitors.