Number of Countries Eligible for Easier Access
While the exact number of countries that will be able to enter North Korea without significant fear or risk has not been officially confirmed, the focus on “friendly” nations implies that tourists from the following countries may have easier access:
- Russia
- China
- Potentially other nations with favorable diplomatic relations with North Korea
The Ministry of Unification, Republic of Korea closely monitors inter-Korean relations and foreign policies. Their observations suggest that nations maintaining positive ties with North Korea, including some Southeast Asian countries, could also be granted easier access.
However, it is important to note:
- South Korean citizens are explicitly barred from entering North Korea.
- The United States continues to ban its citizens from traveling to North Korea, further limiting access based on nationality.
Visa Policy Overview
North Korea’s visa policy remains strict, with entry typically requiring:
- Prior approval and coordination through official channels
- Use of government-approved tour operators
Despite these stringent requirements, tourists from certain “friendly” nations may experience a more streamlined visa process. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has highlighted that the reopening of Samjiyon is part of a broader strategy to “revitalize international tourism,” particularly targeting visitors from countries with strong diplomatic ties to North Korea.
According to Korea Risk Group, North Korea has primarily allowed Russian tourists since early 2024, reflecting the warming relations between the two nations. This suggests:
- Russian citizens may face fewer bureaucratic hurdles when applying to visit North Korea.
- Chinese tourists, owing to China’s strategic relationship with North Korea, are also expected to benefit from more accessible visa policies.
With North Korea’s decision to reopen Samjiyon, China and Russia find themselves uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity due to their shared borders with North Korea. Both countries can facilitate easy access to Samjiyon without the need for international border crossings. This ease of access is expected to attract a surge of tourists from these two nations, particularly as North Korea seeks to “revitalize international tourism” by targeting visitors from “friendly” nations.
Samjiyon’s location at the foot of Mount Paektu, North Korea’s tallest mountain, which straddles the China-North Korea border, offers winter attractions and historical significance, making it an appealing destination for Chinese and Russian tourists. The redevelopment of Samjiyon, including plans to rebuild its airport, convert a military ski base into a resort, and construct new railways and hotels, further enhances its appeal as a tourism hub. However, the completion of these projects remains uncertain, and the success of the reopening largely depends on the timely realization of these infrastructure improvements.
Due to the Ongoing War what it means for Russians
The European Union (EU) has indeed tightened its stance on Russian travelers due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine should be considered as a major controversy. The EU has fully suspended its visa facilitation agreement with Russia, which significantly increases the difficulty for Russian citizens to obtain visas to enter EU countries. This suspension, effective since September 2022, was implemented in response to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and is part of broader EU sanctions and security measures against Russia. As a result, Russian citizens now face higher visa fees, more extensive documentation requirements, and longer processing times when applying for visas to visit EU countries.
In this context, North Korea may emerge as an alternative travel destination for Russian citizens, especially given the increasing challenges of entering EU countries. With Russia and North Korea sharing a history of political alignment and now potentially offering borderless entry for Russians, this could lead to a surge in tourism from Russia to North Korea. Such developments could significantly impact the regional travel dynamics, providing North Korea with an influx of tourists that might have otherwise chosen European destinations.
This shift could also influence broader tourism trends, as Russian travelers look for accessible destinations that do not require stringent visa processes. As Europe tightens its borders, countries like North Korea may capitalize on the opportunity to attract more visitors from Russia, potentially boosting their own tourism industries while altering traditional travel routes for Russian citizens.
How Russian Citizens Can Travel to North Korea by Road?
Available Routes and Entry Points
Russian citizens can enter North Korea via a few designated routes, primarily focusing on rail and road connections. The most significant and well-established route for ground travel is the train journey that begins in the Russian Far East, specifically from the Khasan station. This route crosses into North Korea at Tumangang, the primary entry point for rail traffic between the two countries.
- Khasan to Tumangang by Train: This route is frequently used by Russian tourists, with recent reports confirming the resumption of passenger trains from Khasan to Tumangang after a four-year hiatus. This route is highly significant as it directly connects the Russian Far East to North Korea’s northeastern region.
- Vladivostok to Pyongyang: Although primarily a rail route, this connection can be combined with road travel, as tourists may travel by train from Vladivostok to Khasan before crossing the border by rail. Upon arrival in North Korea, travelers can continue by road to various destinations within the country.
Visa Requirements for Russian Citizens
Before traveling, Russian citizens must obtain a visa for North Korea, which is typically issued as a tourist card or on a separate piece of paper rather than stamped in the passport. The visa application process requires submission through North Korean diplomatic missions. The visa allows short-term stays and is required for all types of visits, whether for tourism or other purposes.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Dynamics
The resumption of travel routes between Russia and North Korea, particularly via road and rail, is expected to boost tourism between the two countries. This development is particularly relevant as Russian citizens face increasing restrictions on travel to the European Union due to the suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement. As a result, North Korea may become a more attractive alternative for Russian tourists, altering traditional travel patterns and potentially increasing North Korea’s tourism revenue.
This situation highlights the evolving travel dynamics in the region, where geopolitical shifts influence tourism trends and bilateral relations between countries like Russia and North Korea.
China to North Korea: Travel Routes and Details
Henley Passport Index Overview: According to the Henley Passport Index 2024, the Chinese passport ranks among the more powerful in the world, allowing its holders access to various countries without the need for a prior visa. However, entry into North Korea is highly restricted, with specific routes and methods necessary for travel.
Traveling from China to North Korea by Road:
Chinese citizens have the option to reach North Korea by road, primarily through two major border crossings:
- Dandong to Sinuiju:
- Route: The most popular and direct route for Chinese travelers to North Korea is via the China-North Korea Friendship Bridge, connecting Dandong in China to Sinuiju in North Korea. Dandong, located in the Liaoning Province, is the largest Chinese border city facing North Korea. This crossing is widely used for both tourism and trade purposes.
- Transport: From Dandong, travelers can either drive or take a train across the bridge to reach Sinuiju. Upon arrival, travelers typically undergo rigorous customs and immigration checks before being allowed to proceed further into North Korea.
- Tumen to Namyang:
- Route: Another less commonly used route is the Tumen-Namyang border crossing. Tumen is a city in China’s Jilin Province, and it is connected to Namyang in North Korea via the Tumen River bridge.
- Transport: Similar to the Dandong crossing, travelers can drive across the bridge or opt for rail transport. This route is generally quieter and less frequented by tourists, offering a more subdued entry into North Korea.
Key Considerations for Travelers:
- Visa Requirements: Despite the relatively simple border crossing procedures, Chinese citizens are still required to obtain a visa before entering North Korea. This visa must be arranged through a travel agency authorized by the North Korean government.
- Restrictions: Travelers should be aware that North Korea imposes strict controls on movement within the country, and all tours must be conducted with government-approved guides.
- Transportation: Once inside North Korea, travelers can expect to use organized transportation provided by their tour operators, as independent travel is not allowed.
These routes offer Chinese citizens a direct connection to North Korea, facilitating easier access despite the stringent entry requirements. This alternative becomes particularly relevant as geopolitical tensions in other regions, such as Europe, lead to increased restrictions on travel for Russian and Chinese citizens.
Outbound Tourism
As of the latest updates from the Henley Passport Index and official sources, North Korean passport holders have very limited visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other countries. According to the Henley Passport Index, North Korean citizens can visit only a small number of countries without requiring a visa.
North Korean passport holders can visit the following countries without a visa:
- Micronesia: Allows visa-free entry for North Korean citizens for up to 30 days.
Countries with visa-on-arrival access:
- Bangladesh: Offers visa-on-arrival for North Korean citizens for up to 30 days.
- Dominica: Allows visa-on-arrival for North Koreans for up to 21 days.
- Haiti: Allows visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days.
- Guyana: Provides visa-on-arrival for up to 30 days.
- Mozambique: Offers visa-on-arrival for North Korean citizens for up to 30 days.
- Uganda: Allows visa-on-arrival for North Koreans for up to 90 days.
Given the restrictions and geopolitical circumstances, North Korean passport holders face significant limitations in their ability to travel internationally without obtaining a visa in advance. This reflects the broader isolation of the country in terms of global mobility.
Potential Surge in Tourism
The reopening of Samjiyon is expected to lead to a significant surge in tourism, particularly from China and Russia. North Korea has already allowed Russian tourists to enter the country since early 2024, reflecting warming ties between the two nations. This trend is likely to continue, with the possibility of Chinese tourists following suit. The proximity of Samjiyon to both countries’ borders means that tourists can easily cross into North Korea without requiring international flights, making it a convenient and attractive destination.
While Samjiyon is currently the only city officially confirmed for reopening, there are indications that other parts of North Korea, including Pyongyang, may also open to foreign tourists. Beijing-based Koryo Tours has expressed excitement about the reopening and hinted that tourists could “potentially” visit other parts of North Korea in December. The possibility of expanded access to North Korea’s tourist destinations would further enhance the appeal of the country to Chinese and Russian tourists, potentially leading to a broader resurgence in North Korean tourism.
Hungary’s Controversial Schengen Visa Grants to Russians
Recently, Hungary has come under scrutiny for continuing to issue Schengen visas to Russian citizens despite the EU’s broader stance against Russia. This move has not been well-received by other EU member states, leading to discussions about Hungary’s position within the Schengen Area. There are growing concerns that Hungary’s actions could lead to its exclusion from the Schengen Single Visa system if it continues to diverge from the EU’s collective foreign policy on Russia.
For further information on these developments, official statements can be found on the Henley Passport Index website and the European Commission’s official portals. These sources provide detailed insights into how global mobility is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions and the resulting sanctions.
Geopolitical Implications and Global Effects on Travelers
The reopening of North Korea to tourism, particularly from China and Russia, has broader geopolitical implications. The move signals North Korea’s intention to strengthen ties with its neighbors while remaining cautious about expanding access to tourists from other nations. This selective approach to reopening could affect global tourism trends, particularly as travelers from other countries may face more stringent restrictions or limited access.
For the global travel industry, the reopening of North Korea presents both opportunities and challenges. Tour operators specializing in North Korean travel, such as Beijing’s Koryo Tours and Shenyang’s KTG Tours, are expected to see increased demand as the country opens its doors to foreign tourists. However, the uncertainty surrounding the completion of infrastructure projects and the potential for limited access to certain regions may pose challenges for travelers and tour operators alike.
Moreover, North Korea’s decision to allow tourists from “friendly” nations, while excluding others, could influence global perceptions of the country and its tourism industry. As North Korea seeks to rebuild its tourism sector, the emphasis on attracting visitors from China and Russia highlights the strategic importance of these relationships in the country’s broader geopolitical strategy.
Places to Visit in North Korea
1. Pyongyang:
- Attractions: The capital city of North Korea, Pyongyang, is home to many iconic landmarks including the Juche Tower, Kim Il-sung Square, and the Korean War Museum. Visitors can also explore Mansudae Grand Monument and the Pyongyang Metro, one of the deepest metro systems in the world.
- How to Reach: Pyongyang is accessible by air via Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. There are also train connections from Dandong, China, and from Moscow, Russia, offering a scenic route into the city.
- Timings: Most attractions are open during daylight hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but guided tours often organize specific visiting times.
2. Mount Kumgang:
- Attractions: Known as the “Diamond Mountain,” Mount Kumgang is famous for its scenic beauty, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and temples such as Ryeongjeong Pavilion.
- How to Reach: Located near the South Korean border, Mount Kumgang is accessible by road from Pyongyang or via special tourist buses arranged by tour operators.
- Timings: Access to Mount Kumgang is often controlled, with specific days and hours allocated for tours, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
3. Kaesong:
- Attractions: Kaesong is a historic city close to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and is home to the Koryo Museum and Tomb of King Kongmin. The Panmunjom Joint Security Area (JSA), where North and South Korean officials meet, is also nearby.
- How to Reach: Kaesong can be reached by road from Pyongyang, usually as part of a guided tour.
- Timings: Tourist sites in Kaesong are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but visits to the JSA require advance booking and are subject to military clearance.
4. Myohyangsan:
- Attractions: Mount Myohyang is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and cultural sites like the International Friendship Exhibition and Pohyon Temple.
- How to Reach: Myohyangsan is about 150 kilometers from Pyongyang and is typically reached by road as part of an organized tour.
- Timings: The best visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on the season and weather conditions.
5. Wonsan:
- Attractions: Wonsan is a port city known for its beaches, the Songdowon International Children’s Camp, and the nearby Masikryong Ski Resort.
- How to Reach: Wonsan is accessible by road from Pyongyang or by train from other parts of North Korea. Special tours often include a visit to the city.
- Timings: Most attractions are open during daylight hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
North Korea’s decision to reopen Samjiyon to foreign tourists marks a significant step in the country’s post-pandemic recovery. The proximity of Samjiyon to the borders of China and Russia positions these nations as key players in the resurgence of North Korean tourism. As the country continues to rebuild and develop its tourism infrastructure, the impact on the global travel industry and international relations will be closely watched. The coming months will reveal whether North Korea can successfully navigate the challenges of reopening while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by its strategic location and historical attractions.
Tags: China, Russia, Central News Agency (KCNA) Samjiyon, North Korean tourism
