North Korea has reopened tourism in Rason, it’s Special Economic Zone in the northeast of the country, according to our local DPRK partners. The official reopening is technically effective from today.
This is, however, a breaking story, and things could change rapidly in the coming days.
When will tourism in Rason resume?
According to our partners and contacts, the plan is to open immediately for both Chinese and all other foreign guests (excluding American and South Korean nationals), with Chinese visitors expected to be the first into the zone.
It is anticipated that these initial trips will be for up to 5 days. Notably, Chinese visitors don’t even need full passports for these trips, as special single-entry travel permits to North Korea are arranged for them.
What Is Rason?
Rason was the first Special Economic Zone of North Korea, established in 1991 as a result of the fall of the Soviet Union, and it continues to hold a unique position within the country. Technically, it operates under a different visa regime than the rest of North Korea and is even considered “visa-free,” though visitors still need a travel permit.
The region operates independently of the Korean International Travel Company and is managed by the Rason International Travel Agency (RITA). Historically, very few Western tourists have visited Rason—typically fewer than 100 annually—with YPT being one of the main promoters of tourism in the region, organizing several group tours each year.
For a detailed analysis of the Rason SEZ, click here.
What is tourism in Rason like?
Tourism in Rason differs significantly from what visitors experience in “mainland DPRK.” In many respects, it is slightly freer, although there is less to see and do compared to Pyongyang or other parts of the country.
Rason gives tourists the opportunity to see the business side of the DPRK with visits to factories, the port, a foreign language school, a taekwondo school, a North Korean bank and more!
Rason is also the only city in North Korea where foreigners can visit the market.
That said, we hold Rason in high regard and have previously run tours linked to their trade fair, diving tours, and standard sightseeing tours throughout the year. In our opinion, Rason offers a unique and special experience for those visiting the DPRK.
Check the following link for a piece we wrote about tourism in Rason.
Does this mean Pyongyang is opening?
Unfortunately, no. As explained, Rason operates under different regulations than the rest of North Korea. It could be considered the “Hong Kong of North Korea,” given its unique status.
That said, this development is promising, and we hope it serves as a dry run for reopening the rest of the country.
Check out our North Korea Group tours.
Can I Visit Rason Now?
According to the announcement, tourism in Rason is now open to all nationalities. So, theoretically, anyone can now visit on an arranged Rason tour.
However, this is new information, and we are currently working on putting together prices and itineraries. We look forward to welcoming Pioneers as some of the first foreigners in North Korea since the country’s closure due to COVID-19.
We expect updates imminently! Watch this space!
You can check our dedicated Rason page.
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