Watch a lot of K-dramas? Dreaming of a picture-perfect holiday in Korea? Well, what if I told you that you now have the choice between South and North Korea? Yes, you read the right! After nearly 5 years of being virtually off-limits since the coronavirus outbreak back in 2020, North Korea has finally reopened one of its major cities! Rason will now be open to foreign tourists to visit. I’m just as shocked as you are, but the facts speak for themselves – keep reading to find out everything you need to know about your potential next holiday destination!

Easing Back After Strict Restrictions

Back in 2020, North Korea was among the first countries to shut its borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19. But the restrictions didn’t stop there. To ensure the virus stayed out, the country beefed up security along its northern border with China. While some trade and official delegations were later allowed to enter, tourism was most definitely off the table. It wasn’t until 2023 that signs of change began to emerge. Russian tourists were welcomed back into the country for the first time since the pandemic. Now, almost 5 years later, North Korea is making another move by reopening Rason, a city near the borders of China and Russia, for eager tourists like you to visit.

Welcome To Rason

Rason is North Korea’s first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which means it’s no ordinary city for the country. Established in 1991, it’s been a testing ground for new economic ideas, including the country’s first legal marketplace. Unlike most of North Korea, Rason operates under a separate visa system, making it somewhat easier for tourists to visit. For those curious about North Korea’s unique economic experiments, Rason offers a rare glimpse into a part of the country that’s quite a 180º pivot from its capital, Pyongyang.

What Does This Mean For Travellers Like You?

Travel agencies, including Young Pioneer Tours, have confirmed that Rason is officially open to foreign tourists as of now. According to their sources, the city is ready to welcome visitors from China and other countries. However, specifics like tour itineraries, prices, and group sizes are still being worked out. Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based travel operator, also noted that the rest of North Korea remains closed to tourism. So for now, Rason is the only place you’ll be able to recreate your favourite K-drama scenes from ‘Crash Landing on You’ in North Korea (I say this loosely, please do not parachute into the country). However, as restrictions very slowly start to ease rules still apply that South Koreans are strictly banned from entering the country due to the two nations ongoing tension.

So, would you consider booking your next holiday in Rason, North Korea?