Russia promotes North Korea as unexpected holiday destination amidst Ukraine sanctions

Authorities from Russia's Far East region, the Maritime Province, are encouraging residents to opt for tourism in North Korea instead of the Alps, specifically to the Masikryong ski resort established under orders from Kim Jong Un, reports "The Moscow Times".

The first group, comprising 50 tourists from the Maritime Province, visited North Korea's resort on February 9. This visit was specially organized for them. According to the regional government, these trips present a "unique offer to residents of the Maritime Province and other Russian regions".

A four-day vacation in Masikryong doesn't come cheap: It costs $750 or 67024 RUB. This price includes a visa, airfare from Vladivostok (a two-hour duration), accommodation at a four or five-star hotel, and a day's trip to Pyongyang, complete with a city tour directed by a Russian-speaking guide.

Russians were formerly accustomed to visiting North Korea for tourism until 2020 when the country sealed its borders due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Between the years 2018-2019, 6,000 Russian citizens visited North Korea, with around 1,500 visiting as tourists.

Despite being one of the world's most isolationist countries, North Korea was relatively more accessible for Russians. For inhabitants of Russia's Far East, it has also been the least expensive travel destination. In 2017, the independent portal Meduza stated that a stay in Masikryong amounted to roughly $100 per day.

Back in 2017, Meduza reported on Russian parents sending their kids to North Korean camps, courtesy of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. However, Russian tourists visiting the country had to endure constant supervision from guides overseeing tour groups throughout their stay. These proficient Russian-speaking guides are assumed to work for North Korean special services.

Following Russia's intrusion into Ukraine, Moscow and Pyongyang have boosted contacts, including in the military sector, with Russia seeking artillery ammunition from North Korea. In September 2023, Kim Jong Un visited Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. Development of tourism was a crucial point of discussion. Following their meeting, Russian media reported plans to inaugurate regular flights between Moscow, Vladivostok, and Pyongyang. Flights are exclusively operated from Vladivostok - twice a week to Pyongyang and back via North Korean airline Air Koryo.