Seoul, South Korea – After a five-year suspension, a Chinese travel agency is set to launch group tours to North Korea, signaling a potential thaw in tourism relations between the two countries. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, citing information from the Chinese travel agency Zhi Xing He Yi, the company, in partnership with North Korea’s National Tourism Administration, has been granted special permission to organize the first Chinese civilian tour group to North Korea since the pandemic.
The inaugural tour is scheduled to depart on February 24th, with a focus on exploring the Rason Special Economic Zone in North Korea. Rason, situated on the border between North Korea and China, will be the initial pilot region for this renewed tourism initiative. Notably, Rason lacks an international airport, requiring travelers to cross the border by car from Hunchun, Jilin Province, China.
The four-day, three-night itinerary marks a significant step as it represents the first time in nearly five years that North Korea has officially opened its doors to Chinese tourists. Zhi Xing He Yi has stated that the initial tour group will be limited to a maximum of 15 participants, accompanied by professional staff. This exclusivity reflects the significance of this first civilian tour group to enter North Korea in recent years.
This development comes after a prolonged period of restricted travel to North Korea, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of group tours, even on a limited scale, suggests a potential shift in North Korea’s approach to international tourism and its willingness to engage with China.
Conclusion:
The resumption of Chinese group tours to North Korea after a five-year hiatus is a noteworthy event that could have broader implications for relations between the two countries. While the initial tour is limited to the Rason Special Economic Zone and a small number of participants, it could pave the way for a gradual expansion of tourism opportunities in the future. It remains to be seen whether this development will lead to further easing of restrictions and increased engagement between North Korea and the outside world.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2025, February 18). 中国旅行社时隔五年发售赴朝跟团游产品 [Chinese Travel Agency Launches Group Tours to North Korea After Five Years]. Retrieved from (URL of Yonhap News Article)
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