After a five-year hiatus, North Korea has reopened its doors to Western tourists, beginning with the Rason Special Economic Zone (SEZ). On February 17, 2025, a group comprising four representatives from Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) and one from Koryo Tours entered the country to facilitate this significant development.
Subsequently, both companies welcomed their first tourist groups into Rason on February 20 and have since scheduled additional tours in the coming months. This move has sparked discussions about the choice of Rason over Pyongyang and the implications for North Korea’s tourism industry.
Why Rason, Not Pyongyang, and Why Now?
The decision to reopen Rason before the capital city, Pyongyang, has led to various speculations. Rason, established in 1991 as North Korea’s first Special Economic Zone, operates under a distinct administrative framework that allows for more flexible economic and visa policies. This autonomy likely facilitated its earlier reopening. As noted by Young Pioneer Tours, “Rason operates under different regulations than the rest of North Korea. It could be considered the ‘Hong Kong of North Korea,’ given its unique status.”
Several theories have emerged regarding the timing and location of the reopening. One suggests that Rason’s relative administrative independence from the central government made it an ideal candidate for a phased reopening. Another posits that this move serves as a pilot program to assess the feasibility of welcoming tourists back to other parts of the country. Young Pioneer Tours speculated, “This development is promising, and we hope it serves as a dry run for reopening the rest of the country.”
Alternatively, some experts believe the decision is linked to the anticipated opening of the Wonsan-Kalma beach resort. A source indicated, “The Kalma resort is a huge project for the Marshal, and I do not see them opening fully until it is ready, which has now been pushed to June.” This suggests that the full reopening of North Korea’s tourism sector may coincide with the completion of significant infrastructure projects.
What Is Rason and Its Link to Tourism?
Rason, a portmanteau of Rajin and Sonbong, is located in the northeastern part of North Korea, bordering China and Russia. As a Special Economic Zone, it has been a testing ground for market-oriented economic policies, distinguishing it from other regions in the country. Notably, Rason offers a more relaxed visa regime; while visitors still require a travel permit, the process is more streamlined compared to other areas.
Despite these advantages, Rason has not been a major draw for Western tourists, with reports indicating that fewer than 100 visited annually prior to the pandemic. In 2019, Young Pioneer Tours reported hosting just over 50 tourists in the region during the last year of the country being open.
What Is There to Do in Rason?
Tourists visiting Rason can engage in a variety of activities that provide insight into both the economic initiatives and cultural life of the region. One highlight is the opportunity to visit local markets, a rarity in North Korea, where tourists can observe and participate in the bustling trade of goods. As described by Young Pioneer Tours, “Tourism in Rason differs significantly from what visitors experience in ‘mainland DPRK.’ In many respects, it is slightly freer.”
Educational visits are also a staple of the Rason experience. Tour groups often include stops at foreign language schools, where visitors can interact with students and teachers, gaining insight into the country’s educational system. Cultural performances, such as taekwondo demonstrations, are frequently arranged, showcasing the talents of local students. Additionally, tourists can tour local factories, including the Rason Shoe Factory, to observe the region’s industrial activities.
A unique attraction in Rason is the opportunity to open a local bank account at the Golden Triangle Bank, allowing visitors to exchange foreign currency and use local debit cards during their stay. This experience offers a tangible connection to the local economy and is not available elsewhere in the country.
However, the region has undergone changes since 2019. Some establishments, such as the Imperial Hotel and Casino, have ceased operations, likely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic rather than international sanctions. These closures reflect the broader challenges faced by the local economy
during the prolonged border shutdown.
Perspectives from Tour Operators
Tour operators have expressed varied sentiments regarding the reopening of Rason. Rowan Beard of Young Pioneer Tours conveyed enthusiasm, stating in an interview with NK News , “The country has been closed for five years, so there’s been a huge build-up and a huge interest from people wanting to go.”
In contrast, Greg Vaczi of Koryo Tours took a more cautious stance, telling CNN, “We’re keen to
see how the tours develop, but we’re taking things step by step. There are still many unknowns regarding the wider reopening of the country.”
This divergence in perspectives highlights the differing approaches and target audiences of the two companies. While YPT has embraced the opportunity with optimism, Koryo Tours has adopted a more measured tone, emphasizing logistical uncertainties. It is not clear whether, or when such challenges may arise.
Tourist Experiences
The initial groups of tourists have recently concluded their visits, with many sharing positive feedback on social media. While acknowledging that Rason lacks the grandeur of Pyongyang, travelers have appreciated the more rugged and authentic experience it offers. The tours have attracted adventurous individuals and “country collectors” eager to explore one of the world’s least-visited destinations. Conversely, some seasoned North Korea visitors have found the experience less stimulating, possibly due to the region’s subdued atmosphere.
The demand for these tours has been robust. Gareth Johnson from Young Pioneer Tours reported that trips for March are already fully booked, with April sales also showing strong interest. This surge indicates a pent-up desire among travelers to explore North Korea, even if access is currently limited to the Rason region.
What Next and What Have We Learned?
The reopening of Rason to foreign tourists signifies North Korea’s cautious steps toward revitalizing its tourism sector. However, the question remains: when will Pyongyang and the rest of the
country follow?
The answer may lie in the country’s economic priorities and ongoing infrastructure projects. For now, Rason provides a rare window into a reclusive nation that, despite its challenges, remains an intriguing destination for the intrepid traveler.