North Korea to Resume International Tourism in Samjiyon This December
North Korea is set to relaunch international tourism in the city of Samjiyon in December, according to announcements made by tourism companies on Wednesday. Often referred to as a “socialist utopia,” Samjiyon is a key project of Kim Jong Un, with images of the city primarily circulated through postage stamps.
The resumption of tourism offers signals that the world’s most secluded country is preparing to reopen its borders to larger groups of foreign tourists after years of strict border controls due to COVID-19, as reported by Reuters. “We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism in Samjiyon, and likely across the rest of the country, will officially resume in December 2024,” stated Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel agency.
International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and a small group of Russian tourists visited the country for a private tour in February. High-profile foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, have also made visits. However, North Korea has not been fully open to international tourists since 2020.
Excitement Surrounding the Announcement
Koryo Tours expressed its excitement about the reopening of North Korean tourism after waiting over four years to make this announcement. The agency noted that its local partner will confirm itineraries and dates in the coming weeks. Official images of the “socialist utopia” have only been broadcast on North Korean television, with the country having constructed what it terms a “socialist utopia” in Samjiyon in 2019. This city, located near the border with China, features new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.
Currently, images of this new North Korean city are only available through propaganda stamps issued by the North Korean government. Brief glimpses of Samjiyon have also been aired by Pyongyang’s television in December 2019. Kim Jong Un had previously dismissed or demoted high-ranking officials in July for the “irresponsible” management of his flagship Samjiyon project. Another travel agency, KTG Tours, has also announced that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon this winter.
