April 26, 2024
Analysis

Could South Koreans realistically go on “independent” tours of North Korea?

Tourism industry insiders say if appetite emerges on North Korean side, necessary changes would be relatively limited

Amid stalled inter-Korean diplomacy, senior South Korean government representatives have in recent days increasingly talked about the possibility of allowing citizens to tour North Korea.

But that’s despite concerns suggesting any resumption of South Korean mass tourism programs like the former Hyundai Asan itineraries to Mount Kumgang could breach UN sanctions due to involving bulk transfers of cash, among other issues.

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