On Tuesday, NK News, a U.S. media outlet specializing in North Korean affairs, reported that North Korea suddenly canceled its scheduled tour itineraries despite showing signs of expanding foreign tourism.
Koryo Tours, a travel agency specializing in North Korea, told NK News that the first tour for Western tourists had been canceled. A Koryo Tours representative explained that the delay occurred because China was unprepared to process foreign tourists at the Quanhe-Wonjong border crossing. “They did not provide details about when they would be ready or what exactly is needed,” the representative added.
Young Pioneer Tours, another travel agency focusing on North Korea, was also told that North Korea had postponed resuming tourism until further preparations were complete. However, they speculated that the reasons might not relate solely to border issues.
Previously, North Korean travel agencies had begun recruiting tourists, announcing plans to resume tours to the Rason Special Economic Zone starting February 16. However, this schedule appears to have been canceled.
The Quanhe-Wonjong border is the only entry point for non-Russian travelers to access North Korea’s Rason. Since lifting its COVID-19 border restrictions, North Korea has only permitted Russian tourists to enter. While it seemed North Korea would expand tourism to include Chinese and Western visitors starting this month, further delays in reopening are now anticipated.