A group of Russian tourists is set to become the first known visitors to North Korea since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by provincial authorities in Russia and a Western tour guide. North Korea, known for its stringent border controls, has yet to fully reopen its borders to foreigners. The upcoming four-day tour, organized by a Vladivostok-based agency, was arranged during a visit by the governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai region to Pyongyang in December. The itinerary includes stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort. While this development is seen as a positive step, industry experts caution against viewing it as a broader opening, considering the special circumstances surrounding this trip. In recent years, North Korea has relied on tourism, particularly from Chinese visitors, for additional revenue. However, international sanctions related to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs have limited its economic opportunities. The meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019 had signaled a commitment to increased cooperation despite these challenges.
A group from Russia is set to become the first tourists allowed into North Korea since the start of the pandemic border lockdowns. North Korea implemented strict border controls during the COVID-19 spread and has yet to fully reopen to foreigners. The trip, organized by a Vladivostok-based agency, was arranged after the governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai region visited Pyongyang for talks. The four-day tour will include stops in Pyongyang and a ski resort. Although this is seen as a positive step, it may not lead to a broader opening for tourism in the country. In 2019, North Korea experienced a surge in Chinese tourists, providing additional revenue.
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