North Korea tour operators hopeful ahead of country’s reopening to foreign tourists

North Korea has announced plans to reopen to foreign tourists this winter, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon in December. Tour operators, including Beijing-based Koryo Tours, express optimism about the decision after nearly five years of closure due to Covid-19. While initial tours may be chaotic, demand is expected to be strong. The reopening begins with Samjiyon, a gateway to Mount Paektu, though other areas may follow. This marks a significant step towards normalizing tourism in the isolated country. AFP