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North Korea Opens to Chinese Businessmen: Tourists Next?
North Korea has taken a significant step towards reopening its borders, issuing visas to Chinese citizens for the first time since January 2020. This development signals a potential shift in the country's stringent COVID-19 restrictions and raises questions about the future of tourism in North Korea.
Focus on Economic Ties, but Tourist Prospects Intrigue
Reports indicate that North Korean authorities are prioritizing visas for Chinese investors, traders, and technical experts, highlighting the economic motivations behind the border reopening.
Sources in China reveal that initial visa recipients include investors involved in various manufacturing sectors, while traders familiar with North Korean companies are also seeing increased visa approvals. This focus on economic activity reflects North Korea's desire to revive its struggling economy in the wake of the pandemic.
However, amidst the economic emphasis, whispers of a broader reopening linger. CNN reported in August that North Korea might allow a select number of tourists to enter the country, a possibility further reinforced by the resumption of flights between Pyongyang and Beijing, as well as Vladivostok, Russia. While individual tourist visas remain unavailable due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, this development suggests a potential future path for wider tourism.