North Korea reopens to tourists after 5 years – here's how to visit and what to expect

If North Korea has always fascinated you, then here's a piece of good news. The famously closed-off country has finally reopened to tourists after sealing its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. 

North Korea will accept tourists to a special zone in the northeast starting today (February 20). Now, we all know how rigidly they controlled foreign visits before the pandemic – and this time's no different. Who can visit? Can I go alone? What can I expect on a guided tour? We answer all your burning questions (and then some) below. 

Who can visit North Korea?

North Korea is open to tourists of any nationality except South Korean. The US and Malaysian governments have banned their citizens from travelling to North Korea. 

Can I visit Pyongyang?

Tourists may only visit the Rason Special Economic Zone (Rason SEZ) in North Korea from February 20. 

North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, remains closed to all but Russian visitors. 

What is the Rason SEZ?

The Rason SEZ was established by the North Korean government in 1991. Bordering China and Russia, it is the only place in North Korea that operates as a free market. Many foreign businesses operate here, like the casino operated by the Macau-based Emperor Group. It offers a different and fascinating side of North Korea – not to mention its seaside locale, meaning beaches (popular with Chinese and Russian tourists) and fresh seafood. 

How can I visit North Korea?

Tourists can only visit North Korea on a guided tour. So far, less than 10 travel operators, including agencies like Young Pioneer Tours, Koryo Tours, and Shenyang KTG Tours, have the green light to conduct tours in the country. 

Here's an estimate of the cost: Young Pioneer Tours offers a 5-day, 4-night tour package for US$670. 

What can I expect on a guided tour?

Think of it as a school trip with a tightly packed itinerary of activities. On the bright side, you won't have to do any planning at all.

According to reports by news outlets like The Straits Times, tourists can look forward to visits to a beer brewery, foreign language school, and taekwondo school. You might even get to open your North Korean Bank account at the Golden Triangle Bank. Operators will also bring tour groups to a spot to see where the North Korean, Chinese and Russian borders meet. 

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