North Korea opens special economic zone to foreign tourists

According to Yonhap news agency, on January 17, Young Pioneer Tours, a Chinese company specializing in tours to North Korea, said that the country has opened its doors to foreign tourists to the Rason special economic zone.

According to information from the travel agency, North Korea resumed tours to Rason on January 16, but noted that the situation could still change in the coming days.

The reopening is aimed at both Chinese and other international visitors, with the exception of those from the US and South Korea.

The initial tours are expected to last up to five days. Notably, Chinese tourists will not even need a passport as they will be issued a special single-entry permit to enter North Korea.

Rason was a popular destination for foreign tourists before North Korea imposed border controls years ago due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Young Pioneer describes Rason as the first special economic zone to operate under a different visa regime than the rest of North Korea. It is even considered “visa-free,” although visitors still need a travel permit.

Visitors to Rason will have the opportunity to explore the business side of North Korea, including factories, ports, language schools, taekwondo schools and banks.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/trieu-tien-mo-cua-dac-khu-kinh-te-don-du-khach-nuoc-ngoai-403284.html