North Korea Hints at Reopening Borders to Tourism, But Major Hurdles Remain

North Korea has been closed off to international tourists for over two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But recent statements suggest the country may finally be ready to reopen its borders and relaunch tourism in 2023. A full reopening could take substantial time, however, as major obstacles stand in the way of reviving tourism and welcoming back foreign visitors.

In late January 2023, multiple North Korean state media outlets indicated the country is moving towards resuming tourism as part of broader plans to foster economic development. Reports cited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calling for “making and implementing correct plans for development of tourist areas.” He also praised efforts to control COVID-19 and lift related restrictions.

These public statements have sparked excitement about the possible return of foreign tourism. North Korea welcomed over 270,000 international tourists in 2019, before the pandemic caused border closures. Tourism generated crucial revenue for the nation. Now, restarting this income stream could provide economic relief.

The country has claimed zero coronavirus cases. Proof of vaccination and negative COVID tests will likely be required for entry, but verifying travelers’ health status could be difficult. Visitors could only enter the DPRK via a tightly controlled group tours. Individual tourism was prohibited, as was independent exploration without state-approved guides.

North Korea’s decision-making exact timeline and details for reopening is not clear. But some analysts see steadily mounting clues that positive progress is coming at the end of 2023. Motion has been detected at key border entry points, suggesting preparation to process arrivals. State media increasingly touts the country’s supposed COVID-19 success, potentially setting the stage to welcome visitors again proclaiming safety.

Multiple tour companies specializing in North Korea have noted upticks in inquiries, stoking their optimism about resuming trips beyond just the handful of guests admitted so far during the pandemic. Industry insiders predict an initial phase welcoming Chinese visitors, a key prior tourism demographic for the DPRK. If successful, fully reopening to Western tourists could follow later in 2023 or 2024.

While challenges abound, supporters hope tourism’s restart will benefit both visitors and local communities. Foreigners gain opportunities to engage with an enigmatic culture completely unlike anywhere else globally. Their economic contributions then empower North Koreans struggling under hardship and oppression. People-to-people connections foster mutual understanding and plant seeds of openness.

With luck, North Korea’s hints at tourism’s return will soon translate into real progress. But true accessible travel will require major changes in pandemic policies, diplomatic relations, infrastructure and more. While the door to the DPRK looks cracked slightly ajar, only time will tell if it genuinely swings open again soon to discovery by intrepid global wanderers.

Reopening tourism will offer travelers a direct window into this fascinating land.