North Korea tours halted until further notice
On 5th March 2025, we received notice from our local travel partners in the DPRK that tours to Rason – Special Economic Zone are halted until further notice.
What are the reasons behind Rason tours being halted?
Following this announcement, we have learned that discussions between the DPRK and China are ongoing regarding the best way to facilitate sustainable tourism to the DPRK via China, given the sensitive nature of Rason as a Special Economic Zone. We cannot confirm any speculative reasons reported by the press or circulating online at this time.
Rest assured, once we have further details, we will communicate with our clients individually. Please note that if your tour is cancelled, you will have the option for a full credit or refund.
Why was Rason the first region in North Korea to reopen to tourism?
North Korea made the announcement of tourism in Rason, located in the northeast of the country, to be the first to reopen to western tourists technically effective from 16th January 2025. However, soon after this announcement the North Koreans were hesitant to go ahead with their announcement, and the Chinese were reluctant to allow foreigners to cross their border into North Korea.
Young Pioneer Tours played a pivotal role in reopening the border at Rason in February 2025. Our management team spent over a month on the ground, collaborating with our North Korean and Chinese counterparts in Beijing and Yanji.
YPT became the first western agency to enter North Korea in over 5 years of closure
On 13th February 2025, YPT proudly became the first Western tourism agency to cross into North Korea via the Quanhe-Wonjong border crossing after securing permission to inspect hotel facilities and tourist sites in Rason. Other tour agencies that crossed on the same day did so following our groundwork to facilitate the reopening.
During this business trip, we successfully negotiated a deal with our partners in Rason, obtaining permission to promote tours well into the future. We subsequently led two successful tour groups – one at the end of February and another in early March – bringing over 40 enthusiastic tourists into the country, all of whom departed with positive impressions of the DPRK’s tourism readiness.
So what happens to North Korea tourism now?
When will North Korea open for tourism? The short answer is that North Korea remains completely shut off to all forms of tourism until further notice.
Pyongyang, the capital, has not yet reopened to Western tourists, despite any claims to the contrary.
The reopening of Pyongyang to everyone, cheaply and not just for those on expensive sporting delegations, is something we are very much working on.
I thought North Korea was meant to reopen in December 2024?
Back in August 2024, North Korea intended to reopen Samjiyon which is a rural city located northeast of the country most famous for Mount Paektu by December of 2024. However, we here at YPT had our own doubts about this announcement and alas, with the exception of Rason, the country continues to remain closed for tourism.
I heard North Korea had reopened for the Marathon?
Currently, it is true that the Pyongyang Marathon is back, but there’s a bit of confusion about what that actually means. North Korea has not reopened for regular tourism – they’ve only opened the country for participants in the marathon. Those looking to take part in the event will travel on a marathon delegation visa, issued through the Sports Ministry, not through the usual tourist channels like the National Travel Authority or the Korea International Travel Company (KITC).
This is why the trips for the marathon are so expensive and not tourist friendly, not to mention there is essentially a monopoly on the marathon by another travel agency. It’s not a general reopening for all tourists, but a special, high-cost entry for those willing to pay for the privilege of running through Pyongyang.
This mirrors what we’ve seen with other sporting events in the country – a very selective process that opens up to a handful of people, usually with deep pockets.
At Young Pioneer Tours, we’re working on getting North Korea fully reopened to everyone, not just a select few with money to burn. We’re committed to offering affordable trips when the country finally opens up to all tourists – and we’re ready to give you the chance to explore the country at a much lower cost when that day comes.
Can I travel to North Korea from Russia?
Back in summer of 2024, YPT have attempted to reopen tourism to North Korea with Air Koryo flights from Vladivostok, a Russian city close to the border of North Korea in the far east of the country. This idea was favoured by those within the tourism industry in North Korea, but in the end was not approved by higher officials.
We have also tried this approach with Rason, but alas it has not worked, yet at least.
When will Pyongyang reopen to tourism?
The truth is, no one really knows. The answer could be anywhere from tomorrow to June, or even beyond – there are just too many variables. Some speculate that the reopening of Pyongyang might be linked to developments around the Kalma Resort, a major tourist project in the east of the country. The resort’s completion, or at least further progress, could be a key factor in when the capital opens its doors to regular tourists again.
That said, there are positive signs that North Korea is slowly inching toward reopening. With Rason formerly being opened, and foreigners able to participate in the Pyongyang Marathon, it’s clear the country is starting to loosen its grip on international tourism. These gradual steps are a strong indication that Pyongyang won’t stay shut forever – and likely, it will happen sooner rather than later.
At Young Pioneer Tours, we’re at the forefront of making sure that when Pyongyang does fully open, it will be done affordably and efficiently for everyone. While the process has been slow, we remain committed to bringing North Korea to the masses at the best possible prices. As soon as Pyongyang is ready, we’ll be ready too – and we’ll be here to offer a genuine, accessible experience when that day comes.
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