Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Koryo Tours hints at potential reopening of North Korea’s Rason region
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, third from left, visits the newly completed Kalma Coastal Tourist Area in Wonsan, Dec. 29, 2024, in this photo carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
A China-based travel agency specializing in North Korea tours says it has received unofficial information from North Korea that the northeastern Rason region may soon reopen to certain Chinese nationals, raising hopes for a broader resumption of travel to the reclusive state.
Koryo Tours, based in Beijing, said on its website that on Monday it received information indicating that Rason would open its borders to “a select number of Chinese passport holders.”
“These Chinese nationals are not tourists,” the agency stated, “but those looking to develop partnerships in the tourism industry in Rason.” It stressed that the borders “have not yet opened to tourism,” but called the development “a positive step towards North Korea tourism re-opening and Rason resuming tourism to North Korea.”
Rason, a Special Economic Zone on the northeastern coast of North Korea, briefly reopened to foreign visitors in February 2025 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Koryo Tours organized several group tours during the short-lived window. However, the border was abruptly closed again in March without explanation, disrupting planned trips and raising questions about Pyongyang’s internal decision-making.
Analysts have attributed the sudden shutdown to possible political caution, pandemic-related controls or conflicting signals within North Korea’s leadership about the pace and scope of reopening.
“We hope the borders will open again soon,” Koryo Tours added. “We will update on any official announcement on the resumption of tours to Rason as soon as we have confirmation. Until then, watch this space!”
North Korea’s tourism sector, especially in zones like Rason that border China and Russia, has long served as a tightly controlled but important channel for foreign currency. Despite signs of reengagement, the country has yet to formally reopen its broader tourism programs, which have been suspended since early 2020.