The latest update on tourism to North Korea
As of 1st September 2025, North Korea (DPRK) remains officially closed to international tourism, with the sole exception of Russian nationals who are currently permitted to visit under limited arrangements. No official announcements or timelines have been released regarding when the country will reopen its borders to travelers of other nationalities.
Here at YPT we continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with our trusted partners and local contacts. While speculation often circulates, there has been no verified confirmation of a wider reopening.
Rest assured that as soon as reliable and concrete information becomes available, we will provide immediate updates. Our team is fully prepared to resume tours as soon as conditions allow, and we look forward to welcoming adventurers back to the DPRK when the time comes.
Why was Rason the first region in North Korea to reopen to tourism back in February 2025?
Earlier in 2025, from February through to early March, the Rason Special Economic Zone in North Korea briefly reopened to foreign tourism. For a short three-week window, visitors of all nationalities, with the exception of Japanese, South Korean, and U.S. citizens – were officially permitted to enter the DPRK as tourists. This marked the first time since the pandemic that non-Russian travellers were granted access.
Young Pioneer Tours played a pivotal role in this historic reopening. Our management team spent over a month on the ground, working closely with our North Korean partners as well as counterparts in both Beijing and Yanji to help facilitate and coordinate travel arrangements. This period represented not only a breakthrough for international tourism in the DPRK, but also a reaffirmation of the strong working relationships we have cultivated over many years.
Unfortunately, on March 5th, a decision was made by DPRK authorities to once again suspend access for all foreign nationals except Russians. No official explanation was provided for this sudden policy reversal, and the borders have remained closed to wider tourism since.
YPT became the first western agency to enter North Korea in over five years of closure
On 13th February 2025, YPT proudly became the first Western tourism agency to cross into North Korea via the Quanhe-Wonjong border crossing after securing permission to inspect hotel facilities and tourist sites in Rason. Other tour agencies that crossed on the same day did so following our groundwork to facilitate the reopening.
During this business trip, we successfully negotiated a deal with our partners in Rason, obtaining permission to promote tours well into the future. We subsequently led two successful tour groups – one at the end of February and another in early March – bringing over 40 enthusiastic tourists into the country, all of whom departed with positive impressions of the DPRK’s tourism readiness.
So what happens to North Korea tourism now?
The short answer is that, as of now, North Korea remains completely shut off to all forms of international tourism until further notice. Despite occasional rumours and unverified reports, there has been no official confirmation of a general reopening.
Pyongyang, the capital of the DPRK, has not yet reopened to Western tourists and any claims suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution. Access remains tightly restricted, and only a very limited number of Russian visitors are currently being permitted under special arrangements.
The reopening of Pyongyang to all nationalities and crucially, in an accessible and affordable way, not just through costly sporting or cultural delegations is something we at Young Pioneer Tours are actively working towards. Our long-standing relationships and on-the-ground presence mean we are well positioned to facilitate the return of tourism when the time comes. Rest assured, once borders are officially reopened, we’ll be among the first to announce new travel opportunities and provide transparent, reliable information to our travellers.
I thought North Korea was meant to reopen in December 2024?
Back in August 2024, North Korea intended to reopen Samjiyon which is a rural city located northeast of the country most famous for Mount Paektu by December 2024. However, we here at YPT had our own doubts about this announcement and alas, with the exception of Rason, the country continues to remain closed for tourism.
Can I travel to North Korea from Russia?
Back in summer of 2024, YPT have attempted to reopen tourism to North Korea with Air Koryo flights from Vladivostok, a Russian city close to the border of North Korea in the far east of the country. This idea was favoured by those within the tourism industry in North Korea, but in the end was not approved by higher officials.
We have also tried this approach with Rason, but alas it has not worked, yet at least.
When will Pyongyang reopen to tourism?
The truth is, no one really knows. The answer could be anywhere from tomorrow to 2026, or even beyond – there are just too many variables. Some speculate that the reopening of Pyongyang might be linked to developments around the Kalma Resort, a major tourist project in the east of the country.
That said, there are positive signs that North Korea is slowly inching toward reopening. With Rason formerly being opened, and foreigners able to participate in the Pyongyang Marathon, it’s clear the country is starting to loosen its grip on international tourism. These gradual steps are a strong indication that Pyongyang won’t stay shut forever – and likely, it will happen sooner rather than later.
At Young Pioneer Tours, we’re at the forefront of making sure that when Pyongyang does fully open, it will be done affordably and efficiently for everyone. While the process has been slow, we remain committed to bringing North Korea to the masses at the best possible prices. As soon as Pyongyang is ready, we’ll be ready too – and we’ll be here to offer a genuine, accessible experience when that day comes.
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