North Korea Reopens to Tourists After Five Years: What You Need to Know Before You Go

A rare glimpse inside North Korea: The country has reopened to foreign tourists, but strict rules and surveillance remain in place. (Image: Canva)

After almost five years of isolation, North Korea is once again welcoming international visitors. This marks the first significant wave of foreign travelers since the country imposed strict COVID-19 lockdowns. While the reopening aims to revive its tourism sector and bring in much-needed foreign income, visiting remains highly restricted and requires careful planning.

Thinking of Visiting? Here’s What You Need to Know:

• First Tourists in Five Years: In February 2024, North Korea welcomed its first post-pandemic tour group—about 100 Russian tourists, rather than the expected Chinese visitors.
• Gradual Border Reopening: By the end of 2024, nearly 880 Russian tourists had visited, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry.
• Strictly Controlled Tours: Travelers must stay with government-approved guides, follow pre-planned itineraries, and avoid photographing restricted areas.

Before the pandemic, tourism was a key revenue source for North Korea, one of the world’s most heavily sanctioned nations. Now, as it cautiously reopens, travelers have a rare chance to experience a country few have seen firsthand. But strict regulations and potential risks remain.

(Image: Canva)

Visiting North Korea isn’t just about curiosity—it demands strict respect for its laws and customs. Even small missteps can have serious consequences. Here’s what to avoid at all costs:

Speaking negatively about Kim Jong-un, the leadership, or government policies—even in private—can lead to arrest, imprisonment, or deportation.

While photography is allowed in some areas, taking pictures of military sites or government buildings under construction is strictly forbidden. Always ask your guide before taking a photo.

Travelers must always stay with their guide. Straying from the group, attempting to interact with locals, or entering restricted zones could have serious consequences.

Political books, religious texts, and any material portraying North Korea negatively may be confiscated at customs—and could land you in trouble.

North Korea has some of the strictest internet regulations in the world. Foreign visitors have no access to Wi-Fi or international phone networks, so expect to be completely offline.

Topics like K-pop, South Korean politics, Western news, or Hollywood films should be avoided to prevent misunderstandings.

North Korea treats its national symbols with deep reverence. Never fold, step on, or discard newspapers featuring images of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, or Kim Jong-un.

Drones, satellite phones, and GPS devices are strictly banned. Carrying them could be considered espionage and result in severe consequences.

A casual joke about the government, surveillance, or laws could be taken seriously. Always remain polite, respectful, and mindful of what you say.

Phone calls, hotel rooms, and conversations may be monitored. To avoid trouble, steer clear of discussing anything sensitive.

For those fascinated by one of the world’s most secretive nations, this reopening offers a rare glimpse into a place few have experienced. But this isn’t a typical travel destination—strict rules, surveillance, and potential risks make it a trip that requires careful thought.

If you do decide to go, follow the rules, respect the culture, and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.