For the first time in more than five years, North Korea has opened its borders to foreign tourists, allowing visits to the city of Rason.
This decision coincides with the birthday of North Korea's late leader Kim Jong Il, celebrated as "Shining Star Day" on 16 February.
The move is seen as a cautious step towards revitalising the country's tourism sector, which has been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rason, a special economic zone near the borders of China and Russia, is known for its unique economic policies and limited tourist attractions, such as a food processing plant and a sea cucumber farm.
Rason was chosen for this reopening due to its status as a special economic zone and proximity to China and Russia. The city serves as a testing ground for changing economic policies and historically attracted few Chinese and Russian visitors.
By allowing tourists to visit Rason, North Korea aims to generate much-needed foreign income and showcase its economic potential. The city's attractions include factories, a taekwondo school, and the Golden Triangle Bank, where tourists can even open a North Korean bank account.
Tourists were not allowed to visit North Korea for over five years due to COVID-19.
The country closed its borders in January 2020 to prevent virus spread. This closure resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at around $175 million, as tourism was a major source of foreign currency. The recent decision to reopen Rason is part of North Korea's efforts to cautiously revive its tourism industry while maintaining strict control over visitors.
The cost of visiting Rason varies depending on the tour package, but it generally ranges from approximately €645 to €705 (around US$800, or up to A$1168).
This price includes a four-night stay in Rason and additional nights in China. However, tourism in North Korea is tightly controlled, and all tours must be arranged through government-approved agencies. Independent travel is not permitted, and tourists must be accompanied by a government-appointed chaperone.
Additionally, certain nationalities, such as Americans, are prohibited from travelling to North Korea due to safety concerns.