Koryo Tours, a travel agency specializing in North Korea, has expanded its tour offerings to include new destinations such as Samjiyon City, Pyongyang’s Hwasong District, and the Kangdong Greenhouse Farm. These new sites include areas developed during extensive construction projects undertaken in the last five years while the country’s borders remained closed.
In an announcement on Thursday, Koryo Tours stated that its partners in Pyongyang have confirmed new travel destinations, explaining, “The new destinations include both traditional landmarks and several new and exciting locations.”
One highlight is Samjiyon City, which is described as a newly developed tourist area. The itinerary includes Gwangmyeongseong Advanced Technical School, established in 1957 and remodeled in 2019, a specialty noodle restaurant called Begaebong Noodle House, a new hospital, exhibition halls, and Samjiyon Waterfall.
The itinerary will also feature Hwasong District, a newly constructed luxury residential area in Pyongyang. Completed in April 2023 after 14 months of construction, it was developed as part of a five-year housing development plan.
The tour will also include visiting the Daedonggang Beer House, which specializes in North Korea’s renowned Daedonggang Beer. Koryo Tours promoted the destination by stating, “It offers a variety of Daedonggang Beers priced between $1 and $5. The second floor features an outdoor rooftop bar for those who enjoy an open-air setting.”
Another addition to the tour is the Kangdong Greenhouse Farm, a modern facility built to address North Korea’s food shortages. Completed in March, the greenhouse drew attention during its inauguration ceremony, attended by Kim Ju Ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The newly announced destinations are predominantly projects spearheaded by Kim Jong Un or locations he personally inspected. This suggests that North Korea aims to utilize its tourism industry as a platform for regime propaganda while opening its doors to foreign visitors.
Meanwhile, Koryo Tours disclosed that North Korea’s plan to open tourism to all foreign nationals this month has been delayed. The agency stated, “We are waiting for confirmation of a new date from our North Korean partners.”