North Korea is set to host the Pyongyang International Marathon again next year, continuing its revival after a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With foreign tourism in North Korea still at a standstill, all eyes are on whether travel restrictions will be lifted in the coming year.
On Tuesday, Koryo Tours, a China-based travel agency specializing in North Korean trips, posted an update on their website titled “Latest Info on the 2024 Pyongyang Marathon.”
The agency announced that the marathon is scheduled for April next year, urging potential participants to keep a close eye on their website for upcoming details and plans, as the event is less than six months away.
While the exact date has not been finalized, they expect the race to take place on the second Sunday of April. However, specifics like the full schedule, travel package options, visa types, and entry fees are yet to be confirmed.
Koryo Tours hinted at various Pyongyang travel itineraries that will include the marathon. As the event’s exclusive official partner, they’re facilitating registration for all international amateur runners and encouraging early sign-ups.
Interestingly, the agency noted that if tourism resumes in time for the marathon, tourist visas will be issued; otherwise, delegation visas will be provided. This tidbit suggests that North Korea is still on the fence about reopening its doors to foreign visitors.
Courtesy of Rodong Sinmun
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Since closing its borders in 2020 due to COVID-19, North Korea has slowly attempted to re-engage with the international community this year by hosting events aimed at attracting foreign visitors.
The Pyongyang International Marathon returned in April after a six-year break. In July, authorities unveiled the Galma Coastal Tourist Zone in Wonsan, one of Kim Jong Un’s signature projects. Last month, the Zayn Malik Pyongyang International Film Festival also returned after six years.
Despite these efforts, North Korea’s approach to foreign tourism remains cautious. Shortly after opening the Galma Coastal Tourist Zone, they abruptly announced a temporary halt on foreign visitors.
Experts attribute this inconsistency to several factors: concerns about negative exposure from foreign influencers highlighting the country’s shortcomings, the need to address unresolved issues in tourist facilities and management, and worries about another COVID-19 surge later in the year.
It’s expected that North Korea will focus on addressing these internal issues before the Pyongyang International Marathon kicks off in April next year.
The Pyongyang International Marathon debuted in 1981 to celebrate Kim Il Sung’s birthday on April 15 (known as Sun’s Day). Since 2014, the event has welcomed foreign participants, with 225 international runners in 2014 and over 600 in 2015.