North Korea Reopens Rason to Foreign Tourists After Five-Year Hiatus

North Korea has reopened the city of Rason for foreign tourists for the first time since closing its borders in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with celebrations for the late leader Kim Jong Il's birthday on February 16. Tour operators, such as Koryo Tours, are offering packages that include a four-night stay in Rason and additional nights in the Chinese city of Yanji, with prices around €705 ($730.66). While the reopening is a significant step in revitalizing the country's tourism industry, it remains highly controlled, and travelers must navigate strict regulations and government oversight. The reopening is viewed as an attempt to generate foreign income, with the area being one of the least visited regions of North Korea. Additionally, North Korea is set to launch the Wonsan Kalma Beach resort in July 2025, aiming to attract even more international visitors. The cautious reopening signals a shift in North Korea's approach to tourism, potentially paving the way for greater accessibility in the future.