North Korea will resume international tourism to Samjiyon and possibly the rest of the country in Winter 2024. Koryo Tours was informed by its partners in North Korea.
North Korea Resumes Tourism For December 2024
Official Announcement, 14 August 2024
Koryo Tours, leaders in travel to North Korea since 1993, are excited to announce that tourism to Samjiyon and potentially the rest of the country will resume in December 2024.
We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and potentially the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024.
Having waited for over 4 years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again.
We have compiled a list of information on the North Korean border opening and will keep it updated with new information and any changes as we are told them.
Feel free to skip to the part you need.
North Korea Resumes Tourism, December 2024
North Korea Tourism Resumes, Announcement
North Korean Tourism Today, Outlook
The North Korean Border Closure
North Korea Border Opening Updates
Samjiyon Tours, North Korea
North Korea Tour to Pyongyang
North Korea Tourism Resumes | Announcement
We have had confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and potentially the rest of North Korea will officially resume in December 2024.
Samjiyon was announced as it has recently been redeveloped as a tourist destination, we visited in 2018 when filming 'Michael Palin in North Korea' and it was already under construction at that time.
Our partner informed us that the official itinerary and dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Once we have finalised dates and itineraries, they will be available for booking on our website.
North Korean Tourism Today | Outlook
The borders have been closed for over 4 years.
Whilst we have been operating in the country for over 30 years, we have never before come across such a long closure of the borders.
Unfortunately, what this means for broader tourism - we do not yet know.
Further, the opening will start in Samjiyon City. Whilst this may seem unusual, it is the main area for tourism in North Korea during the winter time.
For those hoping to visit on one of the sooner tours, we would like to emphasise that things may be a little more chaotic than usual.
But of course, you will be in the safe hands of the North Korea tour experts here at Koryo Tours. Your safety is our priority.
And your enjoyment, too!
The North Korean Border Closure
And North Korean Border Opening Updates!
Since January 2020, the North Korean borders have been closed. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea was the first country to close its borders in January 2020.
Until now, the North Korean borders remained firmly shut to tourism and foreigners in general.
After 3 years of complete closure, there have been signs of a slow opening since mid-2023.
Now, Koryo Tours is very excited to confirm that the North Korean border is now officially set to open.
North Korean Border Opening Updates
We have been providing updates on the North Korea border opening for months.
You can find these border opening updates on our website. You will also find a timescale of North Korea border opening updates as they have been happening since 2023.
Feel free to check back here for past information on North Korea border opening updates.
However, we will now use this page of the website to continue with updates as the North Korean borders are now set to open and tourism to North Korea has will resume.
Samjiyon Tours in North Korea
Samjiyon is the most famous region in North Korea in the winter for tourism and is the home to the country's famous volcanic mountain Mt. Paektu.
In North Korea, it is seen as the birthplace of the revolution and the reputed birthplace of Kim Jong Il. For the South, it is the birthplace of the Korean people. For the whole Korean Peninsula, it is the most significant and sacred place.
Previously difficult to access with few tourist facilities, North Korea has been working for years on the development of this area. Koryo Tours is very excited to be able to visit Samjiyon in December and resume tours to this fascinating location.
After liaising with our partners, we will have a finalised itinerary for the area and more information as well as dates and prices in the coming days and weeks.
Tourist Sites in Samjiyon
Whilst we have not confirmed the itinerary, here are some tourist sites in Samjiyon.
North Korea Tour to Pyongyang
Please note that this announcement is confirmed for December for the Samjiyon area only.
We await further updates on Pyongyang and other areas to open in North Korea.
For now, please have a look at our planned North Korean tours in 2025. click here.
First Available Confirmed North Korean Tour
Our next available North Korean tour departure:
Coming soon.
Koryo Tours
North Korean Tours
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