North Korea Halts Tourism Again After a Few Weeks

rason, north korea - North Korea closes borders to tourists shortly after reopening in Rason.

North Korea Reverses Decision to Allow Tourism in Rason

After briefly reopening the port city of Rason to foreign tourists, North Korea has once again closed its borders to travelers. The city in the northwest of the country had recently been reopened to tourists after years of strict isolationist policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early 2020, Kim Jong-un's regime had completely sealed off the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The regime also reinforced the military in the north, along the border with China, to deter North Koreans from illegally returning to the dictatorship. Trade with China, one of the few allies, has gradually resumed since then. Last year, North Korea allowed tourists from Russia, another ally, to travel to the 'communist paradise'.

Two tour operators based in China and another one in Spain were informed earlier this year that foreign tourists would be allowed back into Rason. The city on the Sea of Japan is located near the Russian and Chinese borders.

Tourism in North Korea was already limited before the pandemic. Most tourists traveled to China, with travel agencies estimating only about 5,000 Western travelers visiting annually.