North Korea Closes Borders to Foreign Tourists

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
North Korea has closed its borders to foreign tourists just weeks after welcoming its first Western visitors in five years, with the recent visitors limited to the city of Rason. The reason for the closure and its duration are currently unknown.

Key Points

  • North Korea has closed its borders to foreign tourists again, following a brief period of allowing Western visitors into the country
  • The recent closure comes after North Korea initially sealed its borders in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The Western visitors were limited to the city of Rason and were unable to visit Pyongyang, the capital
  • The closure has impacted tour operators who are now unable to organize trips to North Korea

Pros

  • Increased safety measures to protect against potential COVID-19 outbreaks
  • Potential for improved economic development in the region

Cons

  • Disruption of tourism industry in North Korea
  • Loss of revenue from international visitors