North Korea reopens tourism in the shadow of sanctions

After five years of isolation, North Korea welcomes foreign tourists, but luxury goods raise questions about the effectiveness of sanctions. 


North Korea ends the lockdown that started due to Covid-19 and opens its borders to tourists.

This decision will first allow travellers to visit the city of Samjiyon, located near the famous Mount Paektu. Pyongyang is expected to follow shortly.

While international tourists will finally be able to return, their experiences may be limited to specific destinations supervised by the North Korean government.

The border closure had also cut off the import of essential goods, leading to food shortages exacerbated by international sanctions over the country’s nuclear programme.

Tourists travelling to the country should take these into consideration.

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