North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.



Columns North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags. Return of DPRK citizens is likely beginning of gradual relaxation of border controls that may take months, or even years Andrei Lankov August 30, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A flight attendant inside an Air Koryo plane in Sept. 2012 \| Image: Eric Lafforgue The North Korean government appears to be putting an end to its rigorous three-year implementation of the world’s strictest quarantine policy. Signs of this shift became apparent in late July when high-level Russian and Chinese dignitaries made their way to Pyongyang. The thaw continued as North Korean athletes traveled via China to participate in the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Championships in Kazakhstan. In late August, Air Koryo planes took to the skies for the first time in years, operating flights to Vladivostok and Beijing. Then on Sunday, North Korean authorities officially declaredthat citizens who have been stranded © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

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North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.

Return of DPRK citizens is likely beginning of gradual relaxation of border controls that may take months, or even years

Andrei Lankov August 30, 2023

North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.

A flight attendant inside an Air Koryo plane in Sept. 2012 | Image: Eric Lafforgue

The North Korean government appears to be putting an end to its rigorous three-year implementation of the world’s strictest quarantine policy.

Signs of this shift became apparent in late July when high-level Russian and Chinese dignitaries made their way to Pyongyang. The thaw continued as North Korean athletes traveled via China to participate in the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Championships in Kazakhstan.

In late August, Air Koryo planes took to the skies for the first time in years, operating flights to Vladivostok and Beijing. Then on Sunday, North Korean authorities officially declaredthat citizens who have been stranded

North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.

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Andrei Lankov

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