A Brief Opening After Five Years Comes to an End
North Korea, which had kept its borders closed to the outside world for nearly five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opened them to Western tourists for the first time last month. However, this opening has abruptly ended with an unexpected decision. The North Korean government announced the suspension of tourist visits to the city of Rason, signaling a return to strict measures in the country’s tourism policies.
First Step Post-Pandemic: A Surge of Tourists to Rason
In early 2020, North Korea completely sealed its borders due to the coronavirus outbreak, halting international tourism. During this period, only a limited number of Russian tourists were permitted entry in 2023. But in February 2025, a tour organized by Beijing-based Koryo Tours brought 13 Western tourists to North Korea—the first such group in five years. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Italy, these travelers visited Rason, a special economic zone in the northeast. Entering via land from China, they explored factories, shops, schools, and statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. This trip marked the first time non-Russian visitors had entered North Korea since the pandemic began.
Simon Cockerell, director of Koryo Tours, described the visitors’ experience as limited yet meaningful. Accompanied by local guides, the tourists noted that their freedom to roam the streets or interact directly with locals was restricted. Nevertheless, the move was seen as an attempt by North Korea to generate foreign currency through tourism and take a step toward breaking its international isolation.
Sudden Decision: Rason Closed Again
This optimistic outlook didn’t last long. In early March 2025, North Korean authorities announced that Rason was once again closed to foreign visitors. KTG Tours stated on Facebook, “We’ve received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We’ll keep you updated.” Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) advised against booking tours planned for April and May. While no official explanation has come from the North Korean government, speculation points to health concerns, security policies, or internal political dynamics as possible reasons for the sudden closure.
What Does Tourism Mean for North Korea?
Before the pandemic, tourism was a significant source of foreign currency for North Korea. According to South Korea’s National Security Strategy Research Institute, approximately 300,000 Chinese tourists visited annually, accounting for over 90% of all international visitors. Western tourists, by contrast, numbered around 5,000 per year. However, North Korea’s strict rules—mandatory local guides, bans on photography in sensitive areas, and limited mobility—have consistently hindered tourism growth.
Since gradually reopening its borders in 2022, North Korea welcomed 880 Russian tourists last year. In December 2024, it announced plans to open Samjiyon to tourism, raising hopes that Pyongyang and other regions might follow suit. Yet, the closure of Rason suggests these plans are on hold for now.
Expert Opinions: Why the Step Back?
Analysts offer varying interpretations of North Korea’s decision. Some suggest that the Kim Jong Un regime remains cautious about opening to the outside world, fearing that an uncontrolled influx of tourists could threaten its security. Others point to the possibility of a new health crisis or outbreak in the country. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification argues that, despite economic hardships, North Korea may be unwilling to take the risks associated with opening up, even for tourism revenue.
While Koryo Tours has hinted that events like the Pyongyang Marathon might reopen to international participants, it remains uncertain whether these plans will materialize. Meanwhile, a massive tourism zone on the east coast is expected to open in June, highlighting apparent inconsistencies in North Korea’s tourism strategy.
Conclusion: Uncertainty Persists
North Korea’s reimposition of tourism restrictions sends a strong signal that its isolationist policies are here to stay. The brief opening after five years offered hope to both tourists and tour operators, but the sudden closure has sparked disappointment. The country’s relationship with the outside world, even in limited domains like tourism, remains unpredictable. North Korea’s next move will be closely watched by regional neighbors and global observers alike.
