With the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) cancelling a delegation that reportedly consisted of over 200 delegates, many in the tourism industry are left questioning whether the country will ever fully reopen to tourists.
While this may seem like a bleak outlook, there are certainly signs pointing in that direction—or at least suggesting that the tourism landscape in North Korea may have changed for good. But what exactly are these changes, and will people still be able to visit the DPRK? As always, the answer is nuanced and, dare we say, complicated. Several factors appear to be at play.
A history of North Korean closures
Tourism in the DPRK has always been more complex than the caricatures suggest. Far from being the “Hermit Kingdom” of headlines, the country has long experimented with controlled openness—especially through tourism.
The state-run Korean International Travel Company (KITC) was founded in 1953, originally focused on comrades from the Eastern Bloc and China. Tours were structured, but fascinating—offering glimpses into socialist life and the achievements of Juche Korea. It wasn’t for everyone, but those who came left with a perspective the media rarely offered.
The 1990s brought quiet change. Koryo Tours began bringing in curious Westerners—filmmakers, academics, and bold travellers. Later, Young Pioneer Tours helped open things further, offering access to places like Mt. Paektu, Rason, and even Sinuiju. They brought some would argue a more broader range of people there largely to observe rather than mock. And other companies also came during this time as the market appeared to be open.
Then came COVID-19. The borders shut, not uniquely but absolutely—just like China, Bhutan, and others. For years, nothing moved and the DPRK was the last country to open, until at least we saw some signs of life. Russian tourists were the first allowed back—hardly surprising given the renewed strategic ties. Rason reopened briefly. This year, around 200 foreigners entered for the Pyongyang Marathon. But even that wasn’t without whispers—some say there were more observers than runners, with internal debate in the DPRK about how open things should be. And most recently, the Pyongyang trade fair and its rather shocking last minute cancellation.
What is the Pyongyang Trade Fair and Who Was Attending?
The Pyongyang Trade Fair is one of the few opportunities for foreign businesses to showcase their goods and engage with North Korea’s controlled economy. It’s an event that sees companies from all over the world attend, albeit in a tightly regulated environment. Held annually in Pyongyang, the fair serves as a key component of the DPRK’s strategy to present itself to the outside world, despite the ongoing
sanctions that limit its international trade.
This year’s trade fair, however, was supposed to be different. Over 200 Chinese delegates were expected to attend, in line with the significant role China plays as North Korea’s primary trading
partner. Their participation would have included representatives from a range of industries, such as construction, technology, agriculture, and machinery, showcasing the deep ties between the two countries and the essential role of China in sustaining North Korea’s economy.
But there was also a notable contingent of Westerners, with a group of 20 foreigners from Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) slated to attend. YPT has long been a pioneer in providing access to North Korea for tourists and those looking to understand the country beyond the headlines. This group was set to witness the inner workings of the Pyongyang Trade Fair, offering a rare look at how business transactions unfold in the North under the watchful eyes of the regime. For YPT and its clients, this was a moment to go beyond tourism and observe an event that connects the DPRK with the wider world in a very controlled and curated manner.
However, just before the fair was due to begin, a sudden and unexpected change took place: all foreign delegates, including the 200+ Chinese and the 20 Westerners from YPT, were denied entry. While the event itself would go ahead, the foreign presence was completely cancelled, with no explanation was given by the North Korean authorities. The decision raised a lot of eyebrows, and speculation was rife about the reasons behind it. Also of note were how a “trade fair” would actually work without foreigners in a country with a state controlled economy – something even the Koreans lamented.
Why Were the Foreign Contingent Denied Entry?
When it comes to North Korea, one thing is clear: nothing is ever quite what it seems. The recent denial of entry to the foreign contingent set to attend the Pyongyang Trade Fair has left many scratching their heads. There’s no official explanation from the government, but industry insiders have been quick to speculate about the reasons behind the decision. Several plausible theories have emerged, and it’s likely that the truth is a mixture of all of them, some of them, or something completely different.
Fear of Infection: The Health Concerns
One theory that’s gaining traction is that North Korea is still wary of health risks, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been among the most isolated in the world, keeping its borders shut and strictly controlling the flow of foreign visitors. With Monkeypox making global headlines, there’s a possibility that the government is taking no chances when it comes to allowing large groups of people into the country. Health protocols could certainly be a factor, with Pyongyang being cautious about any potential outbreaks. The monitored entry of tourists is likely to remain highly controlled as North Korea continues to maintain a policy of “zero tolerance” for disease. In this light, the cancellation of the trade fair makes sense—at least from a public health perspective.
Strained Relations with China?
Another theory, which has been circulating among those with insider knowledge of North Korea’s diplomatic activities, is that relations between North Korea and China are currently not at their best. This theory has been reported by several North Korean agents and analysts familiar with the situation. Traditionally, China has been Pyongyang’s closest ally, but recent reports suggest that ties between the two nations have become strained in certain areas.
North Korea’s increasing alignment with Russia and its independent stance on global matters may be causing some friction with Beijing. There have even been whispers that this strain may have played a role in the cancellation of tours to Rason, a special economic zone in North Korea near the Chinese border. If true, this would suggest that Pyongyang might be sending a subtle message to China about the nature of their relationship, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions are on the rise.
The Influence of Foreign Media: A Growing Concern?
Perhaps the most interesting and telling theory involves the role of foreign influencers in North Korea. Over the past few years, there has been a marked increase in foreign influencers visiting the country, sharing their experiences with their followers, and contributing to a growing global narrative about North Korea. The rise of social media has meant that more and more foreigners are entering the country to document their time there, with a particular focus on North Korea’s unique culture, architecture, and political system.
However, this influx of influencers has not been well-received by everyone within the DPRK tourism industry. According to sources, there have been reports of dissatisfaction within the National Tourism Authority (NTA), the body responsible for managing tourism within the country. In fact, there are rumors that heads have rolled within the NTA as the government tries to assert greater control over how its image is portrayed to the outside world. The increasing presence of influencers, who sometimes fail
to present a controlled, favorable image of the country, may have prompted Pyongyang to tighten the reins on foreign tourism. This was alongside political concerns also reportedly another factor in why travel to Rason might have been suspended.
A Combination of Factors?
In the end, it’s likely that no one will ever know the full reason behind the decision. It could be a mix of all of the above theories—health concerns, diplomatic tensions with China, and the growing influence of foreign media. Or it could be something completely different, known only to the North Korean government.
What is clear, however, is that the Pyongyang Trade Fair has become another example of how unpredictable and enigmatic North Korea’s foreign engagement can be.
What Might The Future of Tourism To DPR Korea Look Like?
In essence, no one truly knows what the future holds for tourism in North Korea. The best-case scenario is that tourism will regularly resume, with the opening of new destinations like the Wonsan Beach Resort alongside the broader reopening of tourism. This would mark a shift toward greater accessibility and modernization, allowing a broader range of tourists to explore the country, not just those involved in official delegations or sporting events. However, there are also growing concerns that the country may choose a different path—one that hearkens back to a Cold War-style tourism model.
Many insiders speculate that North Korea may opt to restrict tourism to allies such as China and Russia, focusing more on diplomatic ties than welcoming a wider global audience. During the Cold War, this kind of exclusive tourism was the norm, with Western visitors allowed in only for official purposes or delegations that were either political or sporting in nature. In this worst-case scenario, tourism could be
heavily controlled and limited to select groups, with much of the country’s tourism industry catering to political interests rather than regular leisure travel.
And sadly as time goes on it is looking more and more likely that it is the worst case scenario that will actually prevail.