The Russians are believed to be the first group of foreign tourists to enter North Korea since the country reopened its borders in August last year, after nearly four years of pandemic-induced border closures that prevented even its own citizens from entering the country. It is being
DPR Korea Tour's official website has recently uploaded a promotional video introducing various tourist spots such as the scenic Daedong River and snow-covered Mt. Baekdu.
Analysts say Kim has expressed particular interest in developing North Korea's tourism industry early in his tenure, indicating this could be a priority for the leader post-pandemic. Ta.
North Korea and Seoul previously cooperated on the Mt. Kumgang complex, which was visited by thousands of South Korean tourists. But that situation came to an abrupt end in 2008 when North Korean soldiers shot and killed a South Korean tourist who deviated from the permitted path, and the South Korean government suspended travel.
Before the pandemic, other tourists to North Korea were limited, with about 5,000 Western tourists visiting each year, according to travel companies. American citizens made up about 20% of the market until Washington imposed a travel ban following the imprisonment and subsequent death of American student Otto Warmbier.
～Strong bond～
Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP that the arrival of Russian tourists “highlights the activation of exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries after the North Korea-Russia summit.” Ta. To the meeting between President Putin and Chairman Kim Jong Un last year.
He said recent developments indicate that President Putin is likely to visit North Korea, and that an increase in Russian humanitarian aid, including food, to the impoverished North is also entirely possible.
“North Korea is also likely to accelerate and expand the scope of its assistance to Russia, including missiles,” he added.
Nuclear-armed North Korea this year declared Seoul its “main enemy,” shut down institutions dedicated to unification and support operations, and threatened war over “even 0.001 millimeter” of territorial violation.
Ahn Chang-il, a North Korean defector turned researcher who runs the World North Korea Research Institute, said relations between Moscow and North Korea would “progress significantly in the future.”
As engagement expands beyond military exchanges to include tourism, arts, and sports, “North Korea's efforts to integrate into the international community appear to be primarily directed toward Moscow rather than Beijing.”
