North Korea Reopens Rason to Foreign Tourists

North Korea has officially reopened tourism in the northeastern city of Rason, its first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening allows foreign tourists from all nations, except those traveling on U.S. and South Korean passports, to visit Rason, which is known for its slightly more liberal economic policies. Tour operators report that the reopening is effective immediately, with tourists expected to stay for up to five days and requiring special travel permits rather than full passports. Rason has been a testing ground for North Korea's economic policies and includes attractions such as factories and local markets. However, while the SEZ is now open, the rest of North Korea remains closed to foreign visitors, and details about specific itineraries and tour offerings are still unclear. This development provides a potential source of foreign currency income for North Korea, which has faced economic challenges during the pandemic.