North Korea has unexpectedly suspended foreign tourism to the border city of Rason, mere weeks after allowing international visitors for the first time in five years. Tour operators have reported that the city is now closed to foreign tourists, following a recent visit by a group of 13 international travellers.
China-based KTG Tours, which specialises in North Korean tours, confirmed the suspension, stating on Facebook:”Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted.”
Brief reopening amid prolonged isolation
In February 2025, North Korea reopened its borders to a select group of international tourists, marking the end of a five-year closure prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The group, comprising individuals from countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Australia, embarked on a tightly controlled tour of the Rason Special Economic Zone.
Their itinerary included visits to local markets, cultural performances, and guided interactions with residents, all closely monitored by North Korean authorities. Tour operators had initially seen this as a cautious step towards reopening the country to international visitors.
The abrupt cessation of foreign tours to Rason has led to widespread speculation regarding the North Korean government’s motivations. While no official explanation has been provided by Pyongyang, experts suggest possible internal policy reassessments or external diplomatic pressures.
A BBC report on the situation highlights that travel agencies were caught off guard, with one operator stating: “We have not been given any reason for the decision. All we know is that tours are no longer possible.”
Some analysts believe that the move could be linked to security concerns, political instability, or a shift in economic policy. Others suggest that North Korea is testing international reactions before fully reopening its borders.
Impact on North Korea’s tourism aspirations
The initial reopening of Rason was widely perceived as a tentative step towards revitalizing North Korea’s tourism sector, which had been severely impacted by the pandemic and ongoing international sanctions.
The sudden suspension raises concerns over the country’s readiness to welcome foreign visitors on a larger scale. If the closure continues, it could discourage future tourism interest and complicate relations with foreign travel agencies investing in North Korea’s limited tourism infrastructure.
Historical context of Rason’s economic significance
Rason, located near the borders with China and Russia, has been designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) since the early 1990s. It was meant to serve as a controlled environment for foreign investment and trade, with limited market-driven policies in contrast to the rest of North Korea’s rigidly state-controlled economy.
For years, the city has been a rare location where foreign visitors— mostly Chinese and Russian businessmen — could interact with North Korean markets. The recent developments could disrupt future investment and tourism prospects in the region.
Future of tourism in North Korea
The suspension of foreign tours to Rason underscores the unpredictability of North Korea’s tourism policies. Tour operators and potential visitors are now advised to exercise caution, as the status of future tours remains uncertain.
For now, international tour agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, awaiting further clarification from North Korean authorities. Until an official statement is released, the future of tourism in North Korea remains as uncertain as ever.
