In an unprecedented move since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of Russian tourists is poised to become the first known international visitors to North Korea. This development comes to light following announcements by Russian provincial authorities and insights from a Western tour guide.

Reuters reports that the groundwork for this unique journey was laid in December during a visit to Pyongyang by the governor of Russia's Primorsky Krai region, which shares a border with North Korea. VisaGuide.World has also echoed these details. North Korea, known for its stringent border controls during the pandemic, has remained primarily inaccessible to foreign visitors. However, this is set to change with the upcoming tour, meticulously organised by a Vladivostok-based travel agency. The tour, scheduled to commence on February 9, promises to take the travellers to notable destinations, including Pyongyang and a local ski resort, as outlined in the agency's online itinerary.

Simon Cockerell, General Manager of Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel company, confirmed that this visit had been sanctioned under exceptional circumstances. While expressing optimism about this development, Cockerell remains cautious about interpreting it as a sign of broader policy changes in North Korea’s approach to international tourism.

This excursion is particularly significant considering the hiatus of tourism in North Korea for over four years. Cockerell opines that any resumption of tourism is a positive stride, yet it may not necessarily herald an immediate relaxation of the country’s stringent border policies.

The geopolitical context of this development includes a recent summit in eastern Russia between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite facing international sanctions, the two leaders committed to enhancing cooperation in various domains, including economy, politics, and military. Notably, these collaborative efforts seem to circumvent the constraints imposed by UN Security Council resolutions, which primarily target North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs without directly affecting tourism.

North Korea's Tourism Sector: Past, Present, and Future

Before the pandemic, North Korea witnessed a significant influx of Chinese tourists, a 

demographic contributing approximately $175 million in 2019, as reported by Seoul-based NK News. While the forthcoming Russian tourist group marks a positive step, the long-term implications for North Korea's tourism sector remain uncertain.

In a related development, North Korea has resumed issuing visas to Chinese nationals four years after sealing its borders in response to the pandemic. As per a report by The Diplomat, North Korean authorities are focusing on visas for Chinese investors, traders, and technicians. Visa applications from Chinese nationals began two months prior, and on December 1, authorities commenced the issuance of visas, which, according to Daily NK, are valid for 90 days.

This series of events marks a cautious yet notable shift in North Korea's post-pandemic engagement with the world, especially in tourism and international relations.

FAQs

What does the Russian tourist group's visit to North Korea signify?

It marks the first international tourist visit since the pandemic and could be a sign of gradual reopening to foreign travellers.

How has the pandemic affected North Korea's tourism sector?

The pandemic-induced border closures significantly impacted North Korea's tourism sector, heavily reliant on foreign visitors.

What are the prospects for tourism in North Korea?

The future of tourism in North Korea remains uncertain, with hopes for gradual reopening contingent on the geopolitical and public health landscape.