North Korea has taken a significant step by reopening its borders, permitting foreign nationals to enter the country, according to Chinese state media.
This decision comes after over three years of isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea has been largely closed off from the world since early 2020 when it closed its borders in response to the pandemic. Even its own citizens were prohibited from traveling abroad during this period.
In a sign of reopening, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The country has also sent athletes to compete in the Asian Games hosted in China’s Hangzhou city.
According to Beijing’s state broadcaster CCTV, North Korea has announced its decision to allow foreigners into its territory. However, foreign visitors will be required to undergo a two-day quarantine upon arrival.
The report did not specify the source of this announcement, and North Korean state media has not yet reported on the border reopening.
While this is a positive development, Chinese tour operators like Dandong Strait National Tours have cautioned that tours to North Korea have not yet resumed, urging patience from prospective travelers.