Russia and North Korea are preparing a new tourism cooperation program, according to remarks made by Alexei Kozlov, Russia’s natural resources minister, on Friday.
Kozlov, who co-chairs the Russia–North Korea Trade, Economic, and Scientific Cooperation Committee, told the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that the two sides are developing a new tourism program.
He indicated that tourism cooperation between the two countries is expanding, with joint projects aimed at improving tourism infrastructure under discussion.
Kozlov stressed that strengthening transportation links is essential to attracting visitors. He said that in recent years, direct train services between Moscow and Pyongyang have increased, and that this year marked the launch of the first direct flight between the two capitals in nearly 80 years.
According to Kozlov, the improved connectivity is already producing results. He estimated that the number of Russian tourists visiting North Korea will reach 7,000 this year, up from 4,000 last year. That figure represents roughly seven times the pre-pandemic level in 2019, when about 1,000 Russian visitors traveled to the country.
However, Kozlov noted that Russian tourists tend to visit specific destinations that North Korea has carefully developed for foreign visitors.
He said Russian travelers have shown strong interest in the Masikryong Ski Resort and the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort area, adding that the region’s cultural appeal and natural scenery are expected to sustain tourism growth into next year.