Foreign Travelers to Gain Access to North Korea's Borders Commencing December 2024, Initiation with Samjiyon
Ready to embark on an exciting adventure? North Korea is warming up to welcome foreign travelers once more, with the northeastern city of Samjiyon leading the charge. Kickstarting from December 2024, this long-awaited destination will finally open its doors to the international community.
Sitting pretty near the Chinese border, Samjiyon has been undergoing an astounding transformation during the pandemic. New residential areas, hotels, a ski resort, and a plethora of cultural and commercial facilities now adorn the cityscape. However, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the project in July 2023, criticizing certain senior officials for being irresponsible.
Despite the hiccup, Samjiyon represents a significant step forward in North Korea's pursuit of tourism, particularly focusing on the winter season and showcasing the area's historical and natural allure. In fact, this city has been a focal point of North Korea's efforts to create a "socialist utopia" and draw in international tourists.
Tour operators, such as Koryo Tours, are thrilled about the impending return of tourism to the isolated nation. After a protracted period of border closures, this turn of events is a much-needed breath of fresh air. Beyond Samjiyon, plans are underway for tourism to expand to other regions of the country.
This development is part of a broader strategy by North Korea to engage with the international community. This comes after the resumption of international flights and a series of high-profile diplomatic exchanges between Pyongyang and Moscow. Most notably, Kim Jong Un visited Russia in September 2022 for talks with President Vladimir Putin, who reciprocated the visit in June 2023.
Samjiyon's exquisite charm lies in its proximity to Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain of profound significance to Koreans. It's believed to be the birthplace of the revolution, an iconic site for Koreans as a whole, and the purported birthplace of Kim Jong Il. The city also boasts presidential palaces and holiday resorts historically used by North Korea’s leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.
Beyond Samjiyon, the nearby Masik-Ryong ski resort offers skiing opportunities for tourists, while the cultural and tourism district around Mount Paektu promises a unique blend of hiking, cultural sites, and winter sports. The Samjiyon Grand Monument, with its groups of sculptures symbolizing themes like the revolution and the fatherland, is another must-visit attraction.
Initial international tourism to Samjiyon seems likely to be highly controlled, with details of tour itineraries and packages being finalized by Koryo Tours in partnership with North Korean partners. Special arrangements have even been made for Russian tourists to visit Pyongyang and Masik-Ryong ski resort as early as February 2025.
As North Korea prepares to fully embrace tourism, it looks set to leverage its cultural heritage and natural scenery to create a sustainable and diversified offering. From carefully managed tours to unique itineraries, the stage is set for a prominent debut on the global tourism circuit. So, get ready to explore the mysterious and breathtaking beauty of Samjiyon City - an adventure that will leave you spellbound!
Discussing the enthusiasm of tour operators like Koryo Tours, the anticipated winter tourism in Samjiyon City, with its proximity to Mount Paektu, could offer a unique blend of history, culture, and recreational activities, such as skiing at Masik-Ryong ski resort. In this respect, the reopening of this destination to foreign travelers will substantially contribute to North Korea's lifestyle transformation by showcasing their allure,exclusivity, and geographical treasures on a global platform.
