North Korea Set to Reopen Samjiyon City to Tourists After a Five-Year Hiatus

North Korea is planning to reopen its borders to international tourists in December this year, for the first time since the near-total lockdowns implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic almost five years ago. Reports from two China-based travel agencies indicate that, initially, visitors will be restricted to just one location — the northern city of Samjiyon.

Nestled at the base of the revered Mount Paektu, Samjiyon has undergone a comprehensive transformation, emerging as a resort town complete with ski slopes, luxury villas, and hotels. These facilities, which have remained largely unused during the pandemic, are now ready to welcome guests. The city's significance is amplified by its connection to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as it is reportedly the birthplace of his father, Kim Jong-il. This historical and symbolic importance has driven the substantial investments made in the development of the area.

The reopening of North Korea's tourism sector is a crucial step for its struggling economy. In 2019, the country welcomed approximately 300,000 foreign tourists, predominantly from China, generating an estimated $100 million in revenue. However, the issue of safety for international visitors remains a significant concern. Before the pandemic, around 5,000 Western tourists visited North Korea annually, but current travel advisories continue to strongly discourage trips to the country due to ongoing risks.

As North Korea moves to relax its pandemic-era restrictions and reinvigorate its tourism industry, the challenges surrounding the safety and accessibility for Western tourists are likely to persist. This reopening will test the waters for how the international community responds to travel in a country still widely viewed as unpredictable and potentially hazardous.