North Korea reopens train tourism with Russia post-COVID

It was reported that for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, passenger train tourism between North Korea and Russia has resumed.

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), the travel agency “Vostok Intour,” based in Vladivostok, announced on July 19 via its Telegram, an online social media platform, that the first train tour had commenced.

“Today the first tourist group of 54 people went to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) by train,” Inna Mukhina, the director of the travel agency wrote. “Dear tour participants, you are the first tourist group that will go by train today from Khasan Station to Tumen Station, DPRK.”

“You are the first to open the gates to the land of morning freshness by train to a country full of Juche ideas, an unusual country, closed off from the rest of the world.” Juche meaning “self-reliance,” is an ideology created by North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung.

“Officially, North Korea is closed to everyone,” Mukhina said. “Only organized groups from Russia can visit there. I wish you a pleasant holiday, positive emotions, and a good mood. The next trip will be on July 26.”

This marks the first time in four years that tourists have boarded a train to North Korea, following the suspension of travel to the country due to COVID-19 in 2020.

The tourists gathered in Vladivostok, took a bus to Khasan Station, passed through the checkpoint, and then boarded a train to Tumen River Station to enter North Korea.

The tourists will be touring Rason (Rajin) City, Bipha Island, Saehyangsan for 6 days. The tour program includes swimming, kimchi production, and visits to a beer factory, an orphanage boarding school, and a historical monument commemorating the victory at the Battle of Sinchon.

According to the travel agency’s website, the North Korean tour programs cost 5,000 rubles (Approximately $57) and 450 in U.S. dollars.

Since the resumption of North Korean tourism for Russians in February this year, it is reported that approximately 600 Russian tourists have visited North Korea via Air Koryo flights. However, the train entry option is gaining attention as it is the first of its kind.

On the same day, Primorsky Krai’s public television, OTV, covered the tourists gathered at Khasan Station, according to RFA.

One tourist told OTV, “I have long dreamed of traveling to North Korea,” adding, “I chose this trip because traveling by train was half the cost of flying.”

Another tourist expressed excitement, saying, “Visiting a country that has been closed off for so long is thrilling. The traditions and lifestyle will be fascinating.”

According to OTV, most of the tourists are residents of Vladivostok and some people have come from various regions including Moscow, Kaliningrad in the far west, and Khabarovsk in the east.

BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]