Seoul: North Korea has reopened tourism in the special economic zone of its northeastern border city Rason to foreign tourists, the website of a China-based travel agency showed Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the website of Young Pioneer Tours, a travel company specializing in North Korea tours, announced the reopening, stating, "North Korea has reopened tourism in Rason, it's Special Economic Zone in the northeast of the country, according to our local DPRK partners." DPRK stands for the official name of North Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The announcement specified that the official reopening is technically effective from Thursday. However, it emphasized that this is a "breaking story" and acknowledged that circumstances could change rapidly in the coming days.
The tour agency also shared insights from partners and contacts, noting that the plan is to open immediately for both Chinese and other foreign guests, excluding Americans and South Koreans. Initial trips are anticipated to last up to five days. Interestingly, Chinese visitors can travel without full passports, as special single-entry travel permits to North Korea are arranged for them.
Before the imposition of border controls due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rason had been a frequent destination for foreign travelers. Exempt from international sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, tourism has served as a source of foreign currency income for the country.
Young Pioneer Tours described Rason as North Korea's first special economic zone, which operates under a different visa regime. It is considered "visa-free," though visitors still require a travel permit. Compared to other parts of North Korea, Rason offers a slightly freer experience, allowing tourists to explore the business aspects of the country, including visits to factories, the port, a foreign language school, a taekwondo school, and a North Korean bank.
Amid the border reopening, North Korea has also begun attracting participants for its annual Pyongyang International Marathon, scheduled for April. Earlier this month, the country published application guidelines for an international audience on a website operated by its sports ministry.