North Korea remains closed to almost all foreign tourists in 2026, and anyone claiming otherwise should be taken with a large pinch of salt. Here's an honest account of where things actually stand, what the recent signs do and don't mean, and what Koryo Tours knows after more than three decades in the DPRK tourism business.
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North Korea remains closed to almost all foreign tourists in 2026, and anyone claiming otherwise should be taken with a large pinch of salt. Here's an honest account of where things actually stand, what the recent signs do and don't mean, and what Koryo Tours knows after more than three decades in the DPRK tourism business.
Read full storyNorth Korea's capital has been completely destroyed and rebuilt at least once, expanded in waves tied directly to ideology and power, and is currently in the middle of its most ambitious construction period in decades.
Read full storyHere's a geography fact that sounds made up but isn't. Timor-Leste has accidentally been called East East for over 400 years.
Read full storyIn 1995, long before North Korea became a byword for curiosity tourism, one man stood on the Juche Tower in Pyongyang and declared it the last great adventure on earth. That man was Andy Kershaw. A BBC broadcaster, journalist, raconteur, and one of Koryo Tours' earliest and most beloved travel companions.
Read full storyEvery year on 15 April, North Korea marks its most important national holiday, the birthday of founding leader Kim Il Sung. It offers a rare and unscripted window into everyday North Korean life, celebrating the Day of the Sun holiday.
Read full storyEleven days with Koryo Tours across Syria, one of the most historically rich and misunderstood countries in the world, all happening during the holy month of Ramadan. This is what it looked like: the food, the people, the Roman ruins, and yes, the missiles we definitely didn't have on the itinerary, as well as a surprising ending in Amman, Jordan.
Read full storyIn April 2008, a group of cricket-mad expats from the Shanghai Cricket Club organised a full Twenty20 cricket tournament in Pyongyang, North Korea. Three teams, 800-plus runs, cucumber sandwiches, a marching band, and one very unfortunate golden duck. This is the only story of cricket in the DPRK.
Read full storyInterning at Koryo Tours was nothing like your average travel job. From launching tours to places like Afghanistan and Bangladesh to helping reopen North Korea for tourism after five years, here’s what it was like behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique travel companies.
Read full storyThese are the three must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North Korea. Each site offers a different perspective on Korea’s past, from ancient tombs to royal capitals and sacred mountains.
Read full storyUpdates on North Korea border openings. After borders tightly shut for the past 5 years, North Korea's borders look finally set to open once again.
Read full storyTraditional reed housing, sunrise boat cruises, and fresh buffalo milk
Read full storyLook through the nationalities and see who is unexpectedly represented!
Read full storyPlanning a trip to China in 2026? You’ll likely need to complete the new Digital Arrival Card - a quick, online way to provide your entry info before landing.
Read full storyHere’s everything you need to know about China's visa-free transit policy. Updated January 2026.
Read full storyThinking about getting some North Korean stamps for your collection? Here's all you need to know about the basics of collecting the DPRK Postage Stamps
Read full storyFrom the empty streets to towering Soviet monuments, Minsk reminded me of Pyongyang, North Korea. Here's why.
Read full storyHow did Koryo Tours start the Turkmenistan tourism industry?
Read full storyThe Dutch Christmas tradition of Sinterklaas interestingly stretches outside of Europe and finds its way to Indonesia in Southeast Asia. We explore!
Read full storyPlanning to run in the Pyongyang Marathon 2026? Here’s everything you need to know about running a marathon in North Korea.
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