North Korea Reopens to Western Tourists After Five-Year Hiatus

After a five-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has reopened its borders to Western tourists. In February 2025, a group organized by Koryo Tours visited the Rason Special Economic Zone, marking the first such visit since 2020. This initiative is part of North Korea’s efforts to revitalize its tourism industry and attract foreign currency. The tour included visits to local factories, schools, and monuments, providing a glimpse into the country’s daily life and economic activities. Notably, travelers observed signs of poverty, indicating a shift towards greater transparency. While the capital city, Pyongyang, remains off-limits, the reopening of Rason suggests a cautious approach to resuming international tourism. This development follows earlier reports of Russian tourists being allowed entry in 2024, highlighting North Korea’s gradual easing of travel restrictions.