North Korea Announced Reopening to Tourists in 2024

North Korea plans to reopen international tourism in December 2024, nearly five years after closing its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tour operators Koryo Tours and KTG Tours confirmed that visitors will initially be allowed in the scenic city of Samjiyon, which is significant for its proximity to Mount Paektu, a culturally important site. Both companies expressed optimism that other locations, including Pyongyang, may follow suit. This reopening comes as North Korea seeks to revive its economy, which has struggled under strict border closures and international sanctions. However, skepticism remains regarding the actual implementation of these plans, with some experts doubting the readiness of infrastructure and the likelihood of attracting tourists beyond a limited number of Russians and Chinese at first. The reopening marks a significant shift for a country that had largely isolated itself from the outside world since early 2020.