North Korea unlikely to follow China and reopen borders to tourism, experts say

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North Korea unlikely to follow China and reopen borders to tourism, experts say

Travel industry insiders say Pyongyang still fears COVID and may seal borders to visitors for at least another year

Chad O'Carroll March 15, 2023

North Korea unlikely to follow China and reopen borders to tourism, experts say

A North Korean tour guide speaks to visitors in front of a monument at Panmunjom on the inter-Korean border | Image: Eric Lafforgue (Sept. 2011)

China’s decision to fully reopen its borders and begin issuing tourist visas for the first time in years is unlikely to convince North Korea to follow suit, travel companies specializing in DPRK tourism told NK News on Wednesday.

Most visitors to North Korea must first transit through China, as most airlines do not service the DPRK or are allowed to fly into the country.

About the Author

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

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