North Korea reopens to tourists: First trips from China planed
A Chinese travel agency has announced sign-ups for the first trips to North Korea since 2020. The itinerary includes celebrations for Kim Jong Il's birthday and taekwondo demonstrations.
A Chinese travel agency organizing trips to North Korea has begun sign-ups for the first trips to this country since the COVID-19 pandemic. The itinerary includes celebrations for the anniversary of the former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's birthday and taekwondo demonstrations.
According to the Polish Press Agency, the trip, which costs approximately $1,034 CAD, includes five days and four nights in Rason, North Korea, and two nights in Yanji, China. The travel agency is planning one trip in February and three more in March and April. Participants will have the opportunity to visit factories in the special economic zone, markets, schools, bookstores, and other tourist attractions in Rason.
Those who decide to go on the first trip, from February 12 to 16, can participate in the birthday celebrations of Kim Jong Il, the father of the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. This day, February 16th, is a national holiday known as the Day of the Shining Star.
Trips from China to North Korea return
The travel agency notes, however, that despite starting sign-ups, the trips "are not yet confirmed," as they are waiting for a decision from Chinese authorities regarding the opening of the border crossing.
North Korea was one of the first countries to close its borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after a long hiatus, tourists can again visit this mysterious country.
Not only Chinese travellers but also Russians can visit North Korea. One Russian travel agency is encouraging sign-ups for trips to the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort, which has been under construction for the past decade. The first trips from Russia are planned for July this year.
