Tourists on a street in Rason Special Economic Zone.
Following a five-year closure, North Korea's National Tourism Administration has sent official notices to travel agencies announcing the reopening of tourism. Foreign visitors are currently permitted to visit Mount Paektu and the Rason Special Economic Zone. The first international tour group arrived in Rason on February 13, marking the resumption of tourism to the country.
A niche travel destination
In Vietnam, travel agencies have begun selling tours to the areas currently open to visitors in North Korea.
Tour prices range from VND 35.9 million (7 days, 6 nights) to VND 42.9 million (10 days, 9 nights). A survey conducted recently by Dantri/Dtinews showed that the first two groups are scheduled to depart on March 27 and 29, making them the first Vietnamese tourists to set foot in North Korea after five years.
As part of the itinerary, travellers will visit three Chinese cities — Shenyang, Changchun, and Yanji — before entering Rason. Key attractions include the North Korea-Russia Friendship Museum, the Sunjong Observatory (offering views of China, North Korea, and Russia), the Golden Triangle Bank, a local brewery, and a nursing home.
Director of Hanoi-based Vietworld Travel Company, Nguyen Van Son, told Dantri that preparations for the tours had been underway since late 2024.
"North Korea has only reopened the Rason Special Economic Zone, located on the border with China and Russia, for tourism. Other regions, including Pyongyang, Hamhung, and Kaesong, remain closed. Our tours are designed to include visits to selected Chinese cities before crossing into North Korea.
The border checkpoint in Rason operates only on Mondays and Thursdays. To ensure a smooth entry, we arrange for our guests to stay overnight in Yanji, China, before completing immigration procedures the following morning," Son explained.
The 7-day, 6-night tour departing on March 29 is already 50 percent booked. The company continues to gather individual travellers into groups of around 20 people. Smaller groups of 4-5 people can also be accommodated at a higher cost.
"Travellers must obtain a Chinese visa and a North Korean tourist permit. All necessary documents are sent to our partners in North Korea, and the tour can only proceed once North Korean authorities approve the permit," Son added.
Limited appeal and special considerations
Many Vietnamese travellers express interest in North Korea
Nguyen Dinh Thang, Director of Hanoi-based Nadova Travel Company, another agency offering tours to Rason, noted that before the pandemic, Vietnamese travel companies had successfully organised trips to North Korea. However, strict Covid-19 policies disrupted operations for several years.
"North Korea appeals mainly to experienced travellers, typically aged 50 and above, who have visited dozens of other countries and are eager to explore its mysteries.
Many people are curious about the tour but hesitant to commit. As awareness of North Korea's reopening spreads, we expect demand to grow. I hope to organise at least one tour per month from March until the end of the year," Thang said.
North Korean tours remain a niche offering due to concerns over security, strict regulations, and complex paperwork. Additionally, the cost—over VND 35 million — is relatively high compared to other Asian destinations, making it less attractive to younger travellers.
A travel consultant in Hanoi noted: "Many Vietnamese travellers express interest in North Korea, but they carefully consider the significant expense. The price is two to three times higher than tours to other Asian countries. However, those who book are drawn by the unique opportunity to witness firsthand daily life in North Korea."
Important travel guidelines
According to Nguyen Son of Vietworld Travel Company, all visitors must join guided tours — independent travel is strictly prohibited, and tourists are not allowed to separate from their groups. Two local guides accompany each tour.
As the tour crosses into North Korea via China, travellers must obtain a double-entry Chinese visa, allowing them to re-enter China after their North Korean visit.
The Independent (UK) quoted Simon Cockerell of Koryo Tours Company as saying that before entering North Korea from Yanji, travellers must attend a briefing session to familiarise themselves with the country's rules and etiquette.
