Thursday, February 6, 2025
After more than five years of strict border closures, North Korea has reopened limited access to foreign tourists, but only to the remote city of Rason. This special economic zone, located near China and Russia, is one of the country’s least-visited areas and is now set to welcome international travelers for an exclusive guided tour.
A Beijing-based travel company has announced the launch of a new tour package to Rason, marking the first opportunity for foreigners to visit the country since it closed its borders in 2020. The itinerary includes a four-night stay in Rason and an additional two nights in Yanji, a Chinese city near the border. The first group will arrive between February 12 and 18, coinciding with a major national celebration.
The mid-February holiday is one of North Korea’s most significant annual events, traditionally observed with large public gatherings, cultural performances, and ceremonial tributes. While Pyongyang remains off-limits to tourists, this rare opportunity offers visitors a glimpse into a part of the country that has remained largely inaccessible for years.
With North Korea seeking to revitalize its economy, the move to reopen a portion of its tourism industry is seen as a step toward generating much-needed foreign income. Before the pandemic, the country welcomed a steady influx of Chinese tourists, contributing an estimated $175 million in revenue in 2019.
However, travel restrictions remain in place for certain nationalities, limiting who can participate in these tours. While access to North Korea is still highly controlled, the reopening of Rason signals a cautious but significant shift in the country’s approach to international tourism.
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