Chinese tours to North Korea resume after 3‑year pause
A Chinese travel agency has announced sign-ups for the first trips to North Korea since 2020. The itinerary includes celebrations for Kim Jong Il's birthday and taekwondo demonstrations.
A Chinese travel agency, specializing in organizing trips to North Korea, has begun sign-ups for the first trips to this country since the COVID-19 pandemic. The itinerary includes celebrations for the anniversary of the former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's birthday and taekwondo demonstrations.
The trip, which costs $760 (about 3,000 RMB), includes five days and four nights in Rason, North Korea, and two nights in Yanji, China. The travel agency plans one trip in February and three more in March and April. Participants can visit factories in the special economic zone, markets, schools, bookstores, and other tourist attractions in Rason.
Those who decide to go on the first trip, from February 12 to 16, can participate in the birthday celebrations of Kim Jong Il, the father of the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. This day, February 16, is a national holiday known as the Day of the Shining Star.
Trips from China to North Korea return
The travel agency notes, however, that despite starting sign-ups, the trips "are not yet confirmed," as they are waiting for a decision from Chinese authorities regarding the opening of the border crossing.
North Korea was one of the first countries to close its borders in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after a long hiatus, tourists can again visit this mysterious country.
Not only Chinese but also Russians can choose to visit North Korea. One of the Russian travel agencies is encouraging sign-ups for trips to the Wonsan-Kalma tourist resort, which has been under construction for the past decade. The first trips from Russia are planned for July this year.
