North Korea’s Brief Tourism Reopening Ends Abruptly

North Korea, often referred to as the "hermit kingdom," recently made a rare attempt to open its doors to international visitors. For the first time in five years, Western tourists were permitted to enter the country under strict conditions. However, this brief experiment in tourism has already come to an end, with Pyongyang once again halting foreign visits.

A Highly Controlled Experience

Last month, a small group of Western tourists—hailing from countries including the UK, Canada, Greece, and France—were granted entry into North Korea. They were allowed to visit Rason, a city in the country’s special economic zone, located approximately 800 kilometers from Pyongyang.

However, the trip came with a long list of restrictions. Tourists were barred from using cell phones, accessing the internet, or withdrawing money from ATMs. They were also forbidden from insulting North Korean leaders, mocking the nation’s ideology, or commenting negatively on the South Korean way of life. Any interaction with locals was closely monitored, and visitors were required to follow a strict itinerary, which included attending performances by schoolchildren set against a backdrop of ballistic missiles.

The Social Media Fallout

While tourists complied with the rules during their visit, they later shared their experiences on social media, providing a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most secretive states. The posts, which highlighted the extreme surveillance and control in North Korea, may have contributed to Pyongyang’s swift decision to shut down tourism once again. Tour operators have since announced the suspension of trips, advising people not to book flights.

Economic Consequences

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was one of North Korea’s few legitimate sources of foreign currency. The majority of visitors came from China, with at least 300,000 Chinese tourists entering the country annually. This influx of visitors generated between $90 million and $150 million per year, providing a much-needed financial boost to the heavily sanctioned nation.

However, when North Korea sealed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic, it lost this vital revenue stream. The recent reopening of tourism was seen as an effort to revive this industry, but the abrupt shutdown suggests Pyongyang remains wary of outside influences.

A Win for South Korea?

With North Korea’s tourism sector once again in limbo, South Korea may indirectly benefit. The country offers a more accessible and open alternative for those curious about its northern neighbor. In locations near the border, tourists can enjoy views of North Korea while sipping coffee at a Starbucks—an experience that comes without the stringent restrictions of a North Korean visit.

While North Korea’s experiment with reopening was short-lived, it provided a brief yet revealing look into the country’s rigid control over its image. Whether Pyongyang will attempt another tourism reboot in the future remains uncertain, but for now, the hermit kingdom has retreated once more behind its closed doors.