Tourism in North Korea

Mount Kumgang

Tourism in North Korea is tightly controlled by the North Korean government. All tourism is organized by several state-owned tourism bureaus, including Korea International Travel Company (KITC), Korean International Sports Travel Company (KISTC), Korean International Taekwondo Tourism Company (KITTC) and Korean International Youth Travel Company (KIYTC).[1] The majority of tourists are Chinese nationals: one 2019 estimate indicated that up to 120,000 Chinese tourists had visited North Korea in the previous year, compared to fewer than 5,000 from Western countries.[2]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea, North Korea closed its borders to foreign tourists on 22 January 2020.[3] As of April 2021, the resulting economic losses were estimated to be at least US$175 million.[4][5] In January 2024, it was announced that a group of Russian tourists would be allowed into the country, the first tourists since the border closure.[6]

  1. ^ Borowiec, Steven (Sep 14, 2014). "Despite warnings, more Western tourists are traveling to North Korea". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved Oct 7, 2024.
  2. ^ Mao, Francis (5 July 2019). "How do Westerners come to live and work in North Korea?". bbc.com. BBC News. Retrieved Oct 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "North Korea temporarily closes border until further notice – Coronavirus precaution". Young Pioneer Tours. Jan 2020. Retrieved Oct 7, 2024.
  4. ^ Aberto Ballesteros (8 Apr 2021). "The Pandemic and North Korea's Tourism Industry: Another Shock for the Regime". 38north.org. Retrieved Oct 9, 2024.
  5. ^ Marcus, Lilit (Sep 2, 2023). "North Korea hints at tourism reopening, but doubts remain". CNN.
  6. ^ Hart, Robert (Jan 12, 2024). "North Korea Prepares For First Foreign Tourists Since Pandemic — Here's What They'll Do". forbes.com. Retrieved Oct 7, 2024.