"Reopening Borders Why North Korea's Kim Jong Il Birthday Tours are a Game-Changer for Travelers

Reopening Borders Why North Korea's Kim Jong Il Birthday Tours are a Game-Changer for Travelers

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, North Korea has taken a significant step towards reopening its borders by launching birthday tours to celebrate former leader Kim Jong Il's special day. The tour operator, Koryo Tours, is offering foreign tourists a unique opportunity to visit Rason, a city on the border with China, which has been closed to international visitors since 2020.

A Rare Chance to Experience North Korea

For five years, North Korea had sealed its frontiers in response to Covid-19, leaving many travelers wondering if they would ever get to experience the country's unique culture and history. Now, with the pandemic slowly subsiding, tourists can once again set foot in North Korea and celebrate one of the most significant holidays on the calendar – Kim Jong Il's birthday.

Kim Jong Il's Birthday A Time for Celebration

The birthday of former ruler Kim Jong Il is marked as Day of the Shining Star on February 16. Typically, this occasion features large-scale public celebrations, including military parades and festivities that showcase North Korea's military might and national pride. This year's celebration promises to be even more significant, given the country's efforts to reopen its borders.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The tour packages offered by Koryo Tours are designed to provide travelers with an off-the-beaten-path experience in Rason. The itinerary includes visits to North Korean factories, schools, and a bank where tourists can open their very own North Korean bank account. This provides a unique opportunity for travelers to gain insight into the country's economy and daily life.

A Step Towards Normalcy

The reopening of borders is a significant step towards normalcy in North Korea. The country has taken steps to reopen its frontiers to some trade and official delegations, and last year, Russian tourists were allowed to enter the country for the first time since the pandemic. However, Chinese tourists have not returned to the country, possibly due to Beijing's growing displeasure over Pyongyang's bolstering ties with Moscow.

A Note of Caution

As North Korea continues to reopen its borders, it's essential to acknowledge the complexities surrounding this move. While it may seem like a step towards normalcy, there are concerns about the country's military buildup and human rights record. As travelers embark on these birthday tours, they must be aware of the nuances surrounding North Korea's reopening.

Conclusion

North Korea's Kim Jong Il birthday tours offer foreign tourists a unique opportunity to experience the country's culture and history while celebrating one of its most significant holidays. The tour packages provided by Koryo Tours promise an off-the-beaten-path experience, giving travelers a chance to gain insight into North Korea's economy and daily life. As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, these birthday tours are a step towards normalcy in North Korea – but it's crucial to consider the complexities surrounding this move.

Keywords North Korea, Kim Jong Il, birthday tours, Rason, China, travel, tourism, reopening borders

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.