(CLO) North Korea has suddenly suspended entry to foreign tourists , just weeks after reopening for the first time in nearly five years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Koryo Tours, a travel agency that specializes in organizing tours to North Korea, said that tours to the Rason Special Economic Zone in North Korea have been suspended. Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), another China-based company, also confirmed the news, saying that they are clarifying the situation with their North Korean partners. Neither company has given a specific explanation for the suspension.
Article introducing Koryo Tours' North Korea tour. Screenshot
The move comes after North Korea allowed Western tourists to visit Rason for the first time in late February, marking a rare opening since the country imposed strict border controls in 2020.
Only Russians will be allowed to enter the country on limited group tours starting in September 2023, raising hopes that Pyongyang could expand tourism to other regions.
The sudden decision to close may have been prompted by recent negative reviews from foreign visitors. A British YouTuber described the extreme levels of control he witnessed when he visited Rason.
Although foreign tourism plays an important role in bringing in foreign currency and promoting the country's image, given the current situation, the possibility of North Korea reopening its borders again soon remains a big question mark.
Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Korea Times)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trieu-tien-tu-choi-khach-du-lich-nuoc-ngoai-sau-khi-vua-mo-cua-tro-lai-post337333.html
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