Guess what? North Korea is planning to reopen its doors to international tourists by the end of this year, and the first stop on the list is Samjiyon—a city that’s kind of a big deal over there!
Where’s Samjiyon, You Ask?
Well, according to CNN (19/8/2024), Samjiyon is this mountainous city that’s super important in North Korean lore because it’s said to be the birthplace of Kim Jong Il. So yeah, it’s got some serious history attached to it. And after keeping its borders shut tight for nearly five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea is finally ready to let tourists back in, starting with this very spot.
Who’s Bringing You In?
Two tour companies with solid connections to North Korea have spilled the beans: Koryo Tours from Beijing and KTG Tours based in Shenyang. Both companies made some online announcements on Wednesday (14/8), letting the world know that the North Korean tourism scene is about to wake up from its long nap.
Koryo Tours says they got the nod from their local pals in North Korea, confirming that trips to Samjiyon—and probably other cool spots in the country—are a go for December 2024. They’re still ironing out the details, so keep an eye out for more info soon.
What’s the Big Deal About Samjiyon?
Samjiyon isn’t just any old city; it’s nestled near the Chinese border and close to Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. This isn’t just any mountain, though. It’s an active volcano that’s considered the mythical birthplace of the Korean people, making it a super important site for both North and South Koreans. So, visiting Samjiyon is kind of like a pilgrimage—if your thing is epic historical vibes and majestic landscapes.
What’s Next?
While Samjiyon is the star of the show right now, there’s talk that Pyongyang (North Korea’s capital) and other locations will also be welcoming visitors soon. KTG Tours, in a separate Facebook post, said they’re still nailing down the exact dates for when these tours will start.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Hermit Kingdom, this winter might just be your chance to explore North Korea’s hidden gems. Pack your bags—adventure awaits!