Unless you have been sitting under a rock, or perhaps are just not as obsessed with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea DPRK as us, then you will know that the ruling Workers Party of Korea are holding their 9th Party Congress.
And this is likely to be a pretty big deal as the last one that was held was way back in 2021 and this was dominated by Covid 19. It should be noted that DPR Korea has still not fully reopened since the pandemic.
So what can we expect from the Congress and could it mean a resumption of tourism? Well as with everything North Korea no one can be sure, but we are at least quietly confident.
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History of Workers Party of Korea congresses
Party Congresses in the DPRK are not annual gimmicks put on for show. They are rare, important and usually signal that something substantial is afoot. The 6th Congress was held in 1980 under Kim Il Sung and laid out the long term ideological and economic direction of the country, as well as for all itemts the role of General Kim Jong Il. Then there was a 36 year gap before the 7th Congress in 2016 under Kim Jong Un, which many saw as consolidating his leadership as well as a return to a string central party, rather than the military first doctrine.
The 8th Congress in 2021 was dominated by Covid 19 and the economic impact of sealing the borders. Five year plans were discussed, targets were missed, admitted and reset, and there was a heavy focus on self reliance. It was unusually frank by DPRK standards, openly acknowledging shortcomings in economic goals. There were reshuffles, promotions and demotions, and a clear message that the state would tighten discipline while pushing forward with development despite sanctions and a global pandemic.
What to expect from the 9th Congress?
If precedent is anything to go by this will not just be a rubber stamp exercise. Expect policy direction for the next few years, possible cabinet reshuffles and a reaffirmation of economic priorities. There are rumours of further emphasis on regional development and light industry, as well as continued military modernisation because these are seen as priorities within the country.
There is also quiet chatter that with Covid now largely in the rear view mirror globally, the leadership may address border policy more directly. Whether that translates into timelines is another matter entirely, but if there were to be changes, this is where they would happen.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un applauds as he attends the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, North Korea (Photo: © KCNA via Reuters)
Could it mean a resumption of tourism?
Again we will treat this like you are new to YPT, but basically tourism was suspended during Coronavirus and has yet to resume, save us opening Rason, and cultural events such as the film festival, as well as the marathon.
Why this has been the case is essentially the million dollar question, but the overall consensus is that the country cannot stay closed forever. At least that is what we hope, even though the country could indeed just remain closed if it wanted to. Alas whatever you may have read the country has never been reliant on 5000 Western guests every year.
We do though as stated feel optimistic for a few reasons. Firstly the word on the Pyongyang down low is that there could potentially be news from this Congress that is positive with regards to tourism. Secondly as the 2021 Congress was all about Covid 19, the hope is that this one will remove the last shackles that were created by the pandemic.
For now though we can but wait in hope that we can once again Pioneer the way as the leading budget North Korean tour operator.
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