North Korea Reopens to Foreign Tourists After Five Years of Pandemic Closure

Travel is limited to the Rason Special Economic Zone, with Pyongyang and broader access still restricted.

North Korea has reopened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since closing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists are currently only allowed to visit the Rason Special Economic Zone, near the borders with China and Russia, while Pyongyang remains closed to most foreign visitors.
The first groups of tourists include individuals from Western countries, while Russian tourists were granted limited access in 2024.
Strict regulations remain in place for visitors, including constant supervision by official guides and restrictions on unauthorized interactions with locals.
North Korea is reportedly planning to expand its tourism sector, with a new project on the eastern coast expected to launch in June 2025.