North Korea has abruptly halted tourism, just weeks after allowing the first Western visitors into the country in five years.
The reclusive state, which had sealed its borders in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began easing restrictions in mid-2023.
While Russian tourists were granted entry in 2024, it was only last month that Western travelers were permitted to visit the eastern city of Rason.
However, several tour operators have now announced that trips have been suspended until further notice, with Pyongyang providing no explanation for the sudden reversal.
China-based KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean travel, stated on Facebook: “Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted.”
Other agencies, including Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours, have also confirmed the cancellations.
In a Facebook post, Young Pioneer Tours advised those planning trips in April and May to avoid booking flights “until we have more information.”
Western tourists first arrived in Rason on February 20 as part of North Korea’s efforts to trial financial policies in its designated special economic zone.
However, tour operators reported even stricter movement controls compared to pre-pandemic visits.
Travelers had fewer opportunities to walk around freely or interact with locals, and access to phone networks and the internet remained unavailable.
One tour leader suggested that Rason was chosen as an entry point due to its relatively isolated nature, making it easier for authorities to monitor visitors.
The suspension also raises uncertainty over upcoming events, such as the Pyongyang Marathon scheduled for April 6.
Koryo Tours had recently started accepting international applications for the event for the first time in five years, but it is unclear whether these will still be processed.
Prior to the pandemic, North Korea welcomed around 350,000 foreign tourists in 2019, with Chinese visitors making up approximately 90% of arrivals, according to media reports.
Source-BBC
