September 21, 2023
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

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