North Korea Welcomes Western Tourists After Five Years

north korea - For the first time in five years, Western tourists have visited North Korea as the country opens its doors to outsiders.

North Korea Welcomes Western Tourists After Five Years

After a five-year hiatus, Western tourists have visited North Korea, a country known for its seclusion from the outside world. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a ban on all foreign tourists, a move that likely pleased Kim Jong-un, the country's leader.

Prior to 2020, North Korea used to receive a few thousand tourists from the West annually. However, with Kim's strong ties to Russia and China, the country no longer heavily relies on tourism for income.

Recently, a British tour operator organized a trip to Rason, a city in northern North Korea, where tourists from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries visited factories, shops, schools, and statues of the Kim family.

Despite the carefully planned tours, tourists had limited freedom during their visit. Even for simple tasks like using the restroom, permission was required. Western visitors were surprised by the lack of mobility and the poverty evident in the country.

While some criticize Western tourists for indirectly supporting the North Korean regime through their visits, experts argue that the revenue generated from Western tourists is minimal compared to what China brings in. North Korea is expected to open a mega beach resort later this year, primarily catering to the country's elite rather than Western tourists.