korea border open for tourism

North Korea Borders Opening Updates (March 2024)

By Koryo Tours

Updates on North Korea border openings. After borders tightly shut for the past 4 years, North Korea's borders look finally set to open once again.

North Korea Borders Opening Updates Last Updated: March 2024

Updated: 24th March 2024

As the leaders in North Korean travel operating in North Korea for over 30 years, we aim to keep you as updated as possible when it comes to North Korean tourism.

This page is kept constantly updated when there are new updates regarding the North Korean border and North Korean border openings.

For our plan for North Korean tours (depending on reopening) in 2024, click here.

Feel free to skip to the relevant area below. You can also find an FAQ section at the bottom. 

North Korean Border Updates Table of Contents

North Korea Border Opening Updates (Timeline) North Korean Borders Opening Sign North Korean Borders Opening FAQs

North Korea Border Opening UPDATES

Timescale of north korean border opening updates. , sunday 10th march (2024)  .

A couple more groups of Russian visitors have been confirmed to go to North Korea. Still no opening to normal tourism - but maybe a positive sign for everyone else?

NKNews reports on the latest developments .

Friday 9th February   (2024)

The first group of 'tourists' arrived in Pyongyang after 4+ years of the borders being closed to visitors.

This is a special Russian group going on a ski trip. Not quite a normal tourist trip due to links between military cooperation between the two states making this trip possible. Thus, ooutside of anything like normal tourism process.

Al Jazeera reports here .

Thursday 11th January  (2024)

It is confirmed from within Pyongyang that a group of Russian tourists will be the first to enter the country for more than 4 years in February. This is on a tour that just includes a day in Pyongyang and then some skiing at Masik-Ryong.

This is a special trip arranged via an agreement between the administration of the Russian Far Eastern province of Primorskiy Krai and the DPRK government. It may signal an opening in due course to other tourists, or may not. we wait and see!

NKNews reports on this story here .

Tuesday, 26th September (2023)

China's news outlet CCTV made an announcement that foreigners would be let into North Korea on 25th September.

The announcement was made saying that it had been announced by North Korea. However, there has not been any confirmation from North Korea yet.

Nevertheless, if the rumours are true, then tourism is still a long way off. The first foreigners to go into North Korea will be those with the highest priority.

This includes people like diplomats initially, followed by humanitarian aid workers etc. 

You can find an updated report here . 

Tuesday, August 22nd (2023)

First Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang to Beijing since the shutdown takes place .

Reopening a crucial route which has been out of use since January 2020. Not a flight for tourists, but for North Koreans to finally return home after years stuck overseas. A positive sign for the resumption of this route going forward.

Thursday, 10th August (2023)

Koryo Tours received the news on the 10th of August that North Korea (the DPRK) is expected to officially open its border again very soon.

This is the first time since it closed back in January 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

North Korean Borders Opening Signs

Taekwondo Team

A North Korean Taekwondo team was sent from Pyongyang to Kazakhstan to take part in the Taekwondo World Championships.

They were featured in the opening ceremony and made their way to Kazakhstan by taking a train from the DPRK into China, staying in Beijing, and then going on to Kazakhstan. 

This is the  first sports delegation sent out of the DPRK  since 2019 and they would not be sent if they were not able to return afterwards.

Vladivostok to Pyongyang Flights

As reported by NKNews  there will be flights from Vladivostok to Pyongyang happening very soon.

So far only a couple of flights are confirmed and it seems likely that these are specifically for returning North Koreans.

This route was never the most viable for tourists and, given events that have been happening involving Russia since the last time these flights took place, they are perhaps even less useful for Western tourists now, but it is a sign that DPRK airspace is opening to flights again.

North Korean Students in Dandong

North Korean students in China continue to gather in Dandong awaiting trains to return them to the DPRK.

Many of these students finished their courses years ago but have been unable to return to their homes since then. They number in the hundreds at least and will likely be the first to go back when this opening for DPRK citizens takes place.

North Korean Border Opening FAQs 

Have the north korean borders opened.

Short answer, no. Long answer, kind of starting to. But they are currently not open to pre-COVID levels. 

Has North Korean Tourism Resumed?

No, not fully to all nationalities and to pre-COVID levels. 

As the leading North Korean travel company, we will be updating people as soon as we have news on North Korea opening to tourism. 

Make sure to follow us on our social media channels where we will be updating people as soon as we have confirmation. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

When Will the North Korean Borders Open?

No official date has been given.

Nevertheless, the consensus from multiple sources (all of them North Korean) is that it will be “soon”.

Who Are the North Korean Borders Open to?

Initially, the opening of the North Korean border is for North Korean citizens only.

While the closure of North Korea has affected companies like ours, and anyone wanting to visit and engage with the country, it has been far more disruptive and difficult for the many thousands of North Koreans trapped outside of their home country for more than three and a half years now.

Anyone who was not in the DPRK when the borders closed has not been able to return. So, workers, students, businesspeople, diplomats, and all kinds of folks who were in China and elsewhere are still outside of the country and are no doubt keen to see their own families again. This is a chance for them to finally do so.

When Will the Borders Open for Tourists?

The opening of the North Korean border is currently for North Koreans, but we expect this to be expanded soon afterwards. Initially, this will likely be for important incoming figures such as diplomats, and NGO staff, etc. Eventually, tourists will follow.

However, when this will be we do not know.

Are North Korea International Flights Running?

Flights between Pyongyang and China as well as Pyongyang and Russia have now resumed.

Is the North Korea Train Running? (China, Dandong - Pyongyang)

The train from Dandong to Pyongyang will be operating normally soon. 

You have North Korean Tours on Your Website. Does this mean we can book them? 

No. We have kept all our North Korean tours on our website since 2020. This is basically to give people a place to go to and an idea of how North Korea tourism works. 

However, we make it very clear on our North Korean tour page that these tours are currently not confirmed. 

Koryo Tours North Korea Tours

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South Korea Is Open For Tourism And Lifts All Remaining Entry Restrictions

South Korea is open for tourism from April 1.

Also, all Covid-related were lifted on October 1.

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Disclaimer: Travel restrictions and governmental regulations can change rapidly and the information below might be outdated within a few hours. Therefore, double-check all information with your embassy or on official websites. Traveling Lifestyle does not take any responsibility for your decision to travel.

South Korea Reopening – Latest Updates

October: South Korea lifts all remaining entry restrictions for international travelers

South Korea has been open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors. Until July, however, unvaccinated visitors were subjected to quarantine upon arrival. Even after eliminating that rule, South Korea continued to require testing on arrival for both vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists. 

Authorities have finally decided to drop mandatory testing upon arrival for all travelers, vaccinated or not, starting October 1.

Also read: 86 Countries That Don’t Require Covid Vaccination Or Test For Travel

September 27 – South Korea lifts mask-wearing restrictions from Sept. 26

South Korea decided Friday to lift all restrictions on outdoor masks starting September 26, according to local news outlets.

The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who decided that participants in outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people, as well as sporting events and concerts, will no longer be required to wear masks starting Monday, Yonhap news agency reported.

“We are clearly overcoming a critical moment of a resurgence in COVID-19,” Han said.

“Going forward, the government will ease low-risk anti-virus measures one by one after receiving feedback from experts,” he added.

Is South Korea open for tourism?

Yes, South Korea is open for tourism and dropped quarantine for fully vaccinated international travelers on April 1.

Who can travel to South Korea?

People from most countries can visit South Korea but different restrictions apply. 

Is South Korea Open to Americans? 

Yes. However, all Americans need to observe pre-departure testing. Find the complete list of requirements at the ROK COVID-19 Portal and the Korean Immigration Service . 

Do visitors need to quarantine upon arrival in South Korea?

EU and Schengen Area visitors will be subject to 14-day mandatory quarantine until April 1. All of them.

The cost of quarantine is around KRW 2,100,000 in total and should be paid in advance.

Once the quarantine period is up, individuals are allowed to move freely around the country.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the South Korean Ministry of Health website.

South Korea During the Pandemic

With a population of more than 51 million, South Korea is about a sixth the size of the United States but has an incredibly high population density.

Its capital and largest city, Seoul, has a population of more than 9 million, making it larger than New York City. Additionally, with high-speed trains and domestic flights, it’s a tightly linked country. Combined with its proximity to China and the sheer amount of trade between the two countries, many expected South Korea to suffer greatly.

But it hasn’t. Instead, South Korean authorities quickly began a comprehensive testing protocol whenever individuals were found to have symptoms of Covid-19.

Is it safe to visit South Korea now?

Regarding COVID-19, South Korea is a safe place to visit and the spread of the virus is under control. ( CDC.gov ).

What is the current COVID situation in South Korea?

As of today, the country has reported 24,848,184 COVID-19 cases and 28,528 deaths.

Why visit South Korea?

Once a traveler is in South Korea and out of quarantine, life largely looks like it did before the pandemic.

Trains, buses, and domestic flights are all operating at full capacity, and museums, shopping centers, and just about every other amenity one could think of are open to tourists. For those willing or able to wait for two weeks, South Korea is looking like pre-COVID South Korea.

Of course, there are some changes worth noting. Individuals are expected to wear a mask and social distance, and unlike the US, compliance is mandatory.

Not wearing a mask in public will get one in trouble with the authorities, and even before the police arrive will result in considerable consternation from the locals. After all, this is a country that is acutely aware that it is lucky through this whole ordeal precisely because it came together.

For those with the ability and need to go to South Korea, visiting the country can be an incredible experience. In addition to everything else that South Korea has to offer, the reduced stress of being in a country that has largely handled the pandemic will be a relief to many.

You might be interested:

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South Korea reopens to overseas tourists after two years

Foreign travelers can apply for a 90-day visa for group or individual tours

SEOUL -- South Korea opened up to foreign tourists on Wednesday, issuing short-term travel visas for the first time in two years now that it has lifted most COVID-related restrictions for residents.

Foreign tourists can apply for C-3 visas, which will allow them to enter the country on group or individual tours, to visit relatives, or to do business. Tourists with the visa can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

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As borders reopen, is japan ready for tourism's pitfalls, japan to reopen to tour groups from 98 nations and regions, south korea charges ahead to break covid-19 shackles, latest on coronavirus, malaysia and singapore put guard up as covid cases surge, china's delayed funeral data clouds extent of december covid surge, japan to shorten quarantine for covid infections to five days, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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South Korea to Welcome Vaccinated Tourists April 1 — What to Know

Travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

South Korea will become the latest country to welcome international tourists next month when the country eliminates quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers.

Starting April 1, the country will welcome international travelers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the Korea Tourism Organization . Travelers who received the final dose of their initial vaccine series more than 180 days ago must get a booster shot.

Travelers who qualify as vaccinated will be exempt from the previous requirement to quarantine upon arrival.

Visitors will have to fill out a Q-CODE form with their passport information, vaccine record, and travel information before arriving in South Korea and will receive a QR code to scan.

While South Korea has remained closed to much of the world, the country previously opened Vaccinated Travel Lanes with Singapore for quarantine-free travel. In that case, vaccinated travelers had to arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of their departure, take another PCR test six to seven days after arrival, and purchase travel insurance, according to the tourism organization .

South Korea may be preparing to open its borders to the world, however the country is experiencing its worst coronavirus surge with record pandemic-related deaths recorded due to the omicron variant. On Tuesday, the country saw more than 290 deaths from the virus and had more than 1,190 patients in serious or critical conditions, The Associated Press reported .

Currently, South Korea leads the rest of the world in average daily new infections, Reuters reported , "accounting for one in every 5 infections reported worldwide each day."

But the country has an extremely high vaccination rate and more than 62% of people have received a booster shot, according to the AP.

South Korea joins countries all around the world in easing border restrictions. Last month, Australia began welcoming international tourists and New Zealand plans to open its borders to the world in May. And several other countries have done away with pandemic-related border restrictions completely like Ireland and Iceland .

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

After two years, South Korea is ready to let tourists in without quarantine

Mar 21, 2022 • 3 min read

South Korea is easing travel restrictions on April 1 © Manfred Gottschalk / Getty Images

Despite a record number of COVID-19 infections, South Korea is pushing ahead with plans to reopen the country to travelers, ending the quarantine requirement for people who have been vaccinated against the virus.

South Korea's cultural output has crossed borders in recent years through K-Pop groups like BTS, Blackpink and SuperM; the history-making TV show Squid Game ( which broke Netflix's viewing records in 2021); and the multi-Oscar winning movie Parasite .

But since the beginning of the pandemic its borders have essentially been closed to tourists, with strict entry rules that have only recently started to ease. In February, the government reduced the quarantine period from 10 to seven days and starting April 1, quarantine will be scraped entirely for vaccinated arrivals.

When will South Korea open borders for tourists in 2022?

Starting April 1 , international   tourists will be able to visit South Korea without quarantine — provided they are vaccinated against COVID-19. This applies to visitors from most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more. The only exceptions are visitors from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Myanmar, who will continue to be required to quarantine for seven days.

South Korea's new entry rules

If you plan to visit South Korea this year, you will be required to have received a booster shot to bypass quarantine if more than 180 days have passed since your last recommended dose of a primary vaccine schedule. That is 180 days after your second shot or 180 days after the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

You'll also be required to apply for a QR code which will then be scanned at immigration, according to the tourism board . You can get that through South Korea's Q-Code system by entering information such as your passport number, departure country, airline, phone number and vaccine records.

What restrictions are in place in South Korea?

South Korea was once one of the world's pandemic success stories, taking some of the toughest approaches against the virus than any other country. But now South Korea is battling record numbers of new cases, hospitaizations and deaths.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said the highly infectious Omicron variant was driving the record wave of infections. According to the New York Times , the country recorded its highest number of daily infections since the pandemic began on March 17. 

Keen to fend off the latest wave, the government continues to require people to wear facemasks in indoor and outdoor public places and on public transport. But other restrictions have been suspended such as the need to present proof of vaccination to enter places like restaurants, cinemas and theaters.

The government has also relaxed social distancing measures and is set to ease curfew limits in the coming weeks. Currently, venues like restaurants, cinemas, karaoke rooms and bathhouses must close at 11 pm under the current guidelines.

You might also like: Canada to end pre-arrival COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers New Zealand is opening borders ahead of schedule in April and May How to interpret the CDC's COVID-19 travel advisories

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South Korea lifts all border controls for visitors

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SEOUL - South Korea has announced the further easing of Covid-19 restriction for inbound travellers, as the current coronavirus wave subsides.

From Saturday, the country will remove a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing requirement for visitors on the first day of their arrival, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday.

Currently, a PCR test is mandatory for inbound travellers within the first 24 hours of their arrival.

The removal of PCR testing requirement on the first day of arrival means that all border controls for visitors have been lifted.

Since Sept 3, all inbound travellers have been exempted from presenting a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test result.

South Korea reported 28,497 new Covid-19 cases as of midnight Thursday compared to 24 hours earlier, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday, quoting the health authorities.

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The daily caseload was down from 30,881 the previous day and lower than 29,097 tallied a week earlier, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Earlier in September, the government has also removed all outdoor mask requirements, Yonhap reported.

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South Korea reopens to fully vaccinated foreigners without quarantine

SEOUL — South Korea is allowing fully vaccinated travelers from all countries to enter without quarantine starting Friday, as the country relaxes coronavirus restrictions.

International travelers who have been fully vaccinated and registered their vaccination status can now enter the country without a quarantine period of seven days. A negative coronavirus test is still required for entry.

South Korea partially eased the quarantine mandate for vaccinated arrivals in 2021 but tightened it back in December, citing concerns about the highly contagious omicron variant.

Incheon International Airport, the main gateway to Seoul and the rest of South Korea, said its passenger traffic on Friday is set to surpass 20,000 for the first time in nearly two years. Daily traffic at the airport, one of the busiest in Asia, used to be 200,000 a day on average but sunk to as low as 3,000 after the pandemic restrictions were imposed.

On Friday morning, airport workers tore down quarantine facilities for international travelers, including a designated bus station, as passengers from overseas are now allowed to take regular public transportation.

South Korea coronavirus infection rate soars with omicron surge

South Korean health authorities said the quarantine mandate can be brought back depending on the coronavirus situation. “We will continue to monitor virus risks of each country in case of situations like emergence of a new variant of concern, and we will designate and manage the range of country-based quarantine exemption in a flexible manner,” said Jeong Eun Kyeong, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

South Korea started imposing border restrictions in March 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The measures contributed to the success of the country in responding to the virus but faced criticism from citizens returning home and foreign visitors coming for business and other purposes.

With the start of the quarantine waiver, a surge in demand has been reported by South Korean airlines and travel agencies. However, experts said international travel is not expected to immediately bounce back, given remaining coronavirus risks and a recent surge in jet fuel prices. For most of the pandemic, the Asian nation managed to keep the virus at bay without a major lockdown through widespread testing and aggressive contact tracing.

Such public health measures were partially rolled back earlier this year amid the strong vaccination rate in South Korea. There was then a surge in the highly contagious and less fatal omicron variant that drove infections to a record level. Citing the burden on health and administrative workers, Seoul health authorities changed their virus strategy to focus resources on vulnerable patients.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention places South Korea in its highest coronavirus risk category of Level 4, used for destinations that have an incidence rate of more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days.

In recent weeks, South Korea has been reporting one of the highest caseloads per capita in the world but keeping death rates relatively low. Starting next week, South Korea will loosen its social distancing measures, raising the cap on social gatherings from eight to 10 people and easing the curfew on restaurants and other indoor spaces to until midnight, health authorities said Friday.

Coronavirus: What you need to know

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change has raised concerns among medically vulnerable people .

New coronavirus variant: The United States is in the throes of another covid-19 uptick and coronavirus samples detected in wastewater suggests infections could be as rampant as they were last winter. JN.1, the new dominant variant , appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s how this covid surge compares with earlier spikes .

Latest coronavirus booster: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older gets an updated coronavirus shot , but the vaccine rollout has seen some hiccups , especially for children . Here’s what you need to know about the latest coronavirus vaccines , including when you should get it.

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South Korea is finally reopening to travellers after two years

Fully-vaccinated visitors will be able to enter the country without quarantining from April 1

Two years into the pandemic, finally international travel appears to be returning to pretty much normal. Now, even those countries – like  Thailand ,  Australia  and  Japan  – that remained shut off the world for the duration have started letting people in again. From next month,  South Korea  is joining them, too.

Double-jabbed travellers will be able to enter the country, quarantine-free, from April 1. Almost every foreign national will be eligible, including visitors from UK, USA and Australia. To visit, you need to fill out your trip details on the Q-Code website and save your unique QR code, plus have proof of a negative PCR test taken in the 48 hours before travel. On arrival, you’ll also need to take lateral flow test at the airport, then wait until you get the result. According to the UK’s Foreign Office , these are being issued pretty quickly, so there’s no need to hang about with your luggage for long.  Children under five don’t need to provide vaccination information, but they will need to test on arrival. All unvaccinated travellers over the age of five will still be required to self-isolate for seven days after arrival. But if you have been jabbed? We reckon you can start planning a summer in Seoul right now.

Did you see that   New Zealand has just opened its borders , too?

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South Korea reopening to international tourists from 21 March

South Korea will reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from 21 March, and make it easier to register overseas vaccinations.

While Singaporeans have enjoyed a virtual monopoly on Seoul’s sights and sounds thanks to the Singapore-South Korea VTL , those days are coming to an end soon. 

From 21 March 2022 , South Korea will reopen its borders to the world, allowing fully vaccinated tourists to visit without quarantine. 

There will also be a greater emphasis on the use of antigen rapid tests (ARTs) instead of PCRs, with the country already moving to change the Day 6/7 PCR test requirement to a self-administered ART. However, pre-departure and on-arrival testing will still require PCRs. 

South Korea reopening on 21 March

From 21 March 2022 , fully vaccinated tourists can visit South Korea without quarantine.

The full details of the plan (in Korean) can be found on the MOH’s website;  a translated summary (in English) can be found here.

In short, the current 7-day quarantine will be lifted according to the following timelines:

• From 21 March: For those who have been vaccinated in Korea, or abroad and have registered their vaccination with the Korean authorities
• From 1 April : For those who have completed vaccination abroad but have not registered their vaccination history

Registering an overseas vaccination will be possible via this link from 21 March 2022 onwards.

South Korea defines fully vaccinated travellers as those who have received any vaccine on the WHO’s EUL , with the following time limits:

• Completed primary regime: 14-180 days after vaccination
• Completed booster jab: No time limit

Travellers will be required to take the following COVID-19 tests:

• Within 48 hours of departure to South Korea (PCR)
• On arrival in South Korea [and isolate until negative result received] (PCR)
• On Day 6/7, if staying at least 8 days (self-administered ART)

After taking the on-arrival test at Incheon Airport, travellers will be required to head to their hotel and isolate until a negative result is received. From 1 April 2022, they may take either public or private transportation to the hotel.

How does this affect the Singapore-South Korea VTL?

Not a whole lot, actually. 

The requirements for international arrivals are exactly the same as those for Singaporeans currently travelling to South Korea under the VTL. 

If anything, it makes things slightly easier. 

Singaporeans wanting to travel to South Korea are currently required to have a 14-day travel history featuring Singapore or South Korea only; that will no longer be required from 21 March.

In addition, Singaporeans currently have to visit a health centre in Korea to register their vaccination (thereby allowing them to use the COOV app to check-in and visit vaccinated-only venues), but from 21 March this can be  done online before you arrive.

Finally, Singaporeans currently need to take non-stop flights to Seoul. From 21 March, they will be able to transit in any country so long as it’s not on the high-risk list. 

The difference, if you want to call it that, is that you may have to wait in longer lines for attractions or restaurants as international tourists return!

South Korea VTL: Summary

Here’s the current requirements for travel to South Korea under the VTL. 

As mentioned in the previous section, some of these  restrictions (e.g. 14 day travel history rule, taking non-stop flight to Korea) will be loosened when 21 March comes. 

South Korea will be scrapping its 7-day quarantine for all fully vaccinated travellers from 21 March 2022. It will also make it easier for those vaccinated overseas to register their vaccinations and have them recognised locally. 

Singaporeans can already visit South Korea without quarantine, but still stand to benefit from easier vaccination registrations and the loosening of certain rules regarding travel history and non-stop flights. 

Just be prepared for bigger crowds!

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Similar Articles

Hack: skip the immigration lines in kuala lumpur with priority pass, details: changi terminal 2 northern wing reopens.

Great news and thanks for the prompt updates!

TERRIBLE NEWS. Now going to be crowded af

Do you kmow if Japan considered a high risk country? I can’t find this info on the South Korea tourism websites.

I just read from the Korean Embassy in Singapore’s website. It has quite a fair bit of info/update. Based on the Notice issued on 23 Mar 2022; attachment on list of countries which can apply for KETA (updated 1 Apr 2022), it seems to suggest that Japan will not be able to apply KETA yet i.e. a pass to enter Korea.

Anything on recovered travellers? PCRs are always tricky for folks under this category.

So If I enter by VTL my two dose vaccine is still valid after 180 days? Only a non-VTL entry requires a booster after 180 days to be valid?

http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=13279

The above article has the following paragraph: “ Overseas travelers will no longer need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to visit Korea. Instead, the government will only require the results of a rapid antigen test six to seven days before they visit Korea. ”

Does that mean ART is sufficient?

Some outlets are reporting this, but I believe it is a misreading of the moh’s circular. When you read the original text, it only says that day 6/7 test changed to antigen. All other tests remain the same i.e. pcr

what is the average time for on-arrival PCR results to appear?

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South Korea opens its borders for tourists who are fully vaccinated

Curated By : Lifestyle Desk

Trending Desk

Last Updated: March 23, 2022, 15:08 IST

In the past few years, South Korea has emerged as an exciting tourist destination (Image: Shutterstock)

According to Lonely Planet, those planning to visit South Korea this year will be required to have received a booster shot to bypass quarantine.

If you have been saving the pictures of all the scenic places and food that you would eat once in South Korea, your wait is finally over. The East Asian country that has grown in popularity over recent years thanks to BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game, is finally opening up for tourists and lifting the quarantine restrictions.

Starting April 1, international tourists will be able to visit South Korea without quarantine if provided that they are vaccinated against Covid-19. The new rule issued by the government of South Korea applies to visitors from most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India. The only exceptions for this new travel update are visitors from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Myanmar, who will be required to quarantine for seven days before pursuing their tourist activities in South Korea.

The East Asian country has followed some strict travel restrictions, especially for those flying in from overseas. The strict entry rules have only recently started to ease as cases of coronavirus reduce globally and the vaccinated population increases. In February, the South Korean government reduced the quarantine period from ten to seven days, and starting April 1, quarantine will be scrapped entirely for vaccinated travelers.

According to Lonely Planet, those planning to visit South Korea this year will be required to have received a booster shot to bypass quarantine if more than 180 days have passed since the last recommended dose of a primary vaccine schedule. That is 180 days following the second vaccine shot. Travelers will also be required to apply for a QR code which will then be scanned at immigration, according to the tourism board. To get your own QR code one would have to go through South Korea’s Q-Code system by entering information like passport number, departure country, airline, phone number and vaccine records.

If you are ready to go through these essential steps, you are all set to visit South Korea and finally live the Korean drama life you have been dreaming of.

Read all the Latest Lifestyle News and Breaking News here

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South Korea

Travel Advisory July 24, 2023

South korea - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in South Korea.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.   
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .    

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No – From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is not required for US citizens traveling for short-term business or tourism purposes.

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188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, Korea Telephone: +(82) (2) 397-4114 (from within Korea, dial 02-397-4114)  DSN:721-4114 Fax: +(82) (2) 397-4101 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. Consulate in Busan

Lotte Gold Rose Building #612, Jungang-daero 993, Jin-gu Busan 47209, Korea Telephone: (+82) 51-863-0731 Email:  [email protected]

The Embassy and Consulate are closed on weekends and on  American and Korean holidays .  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +82 (2) 397-4114.

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Korea. From April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the  Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)  is not required for US citizens for stays of 90 days or less that are for tourism or business purposes.
• Visa required for all other purposes, including employment, teaching English, and for stays longer than 90 days.

Exceeding your authorized stay or not possessing a valid visa may result in detention and fines.

• In the event of an overstay, apply for a visa extension from the  Korea Immigration Service (KIS)  before attempting to leave the country. Also consult with KIS regarding changes in visa category.

Military Personnel/DOD and their families on orders:

• Consult  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide , and follow all instructions.
• Enter Korea with DOD identification and travel orders.
• Do not transit other countries such as China without a passport and appropriate visas.
• Family Members/Dependents of Military Personnel/DOD on orders must present upon arrival passports valid for at least six months .

U.S. Government Executive Branch personnel on official business and DOD personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy  (Including family members/dependents):

• Employes assigned to Mission Korea should enter Korea with a diplomatic or official passport and a diplomatic or official Korean visa obtained through their sponsoring agency.  Check with your sponsoring agency about other requirements. 
• TDY visitors traveling to Korea for up to 90 days on diplomatic or official passports do  not  require Korean visas and do  not  require a K-ETA. TDY visitors must obtain country clearance using  Department of State's eCC system  or  DOD APACS system .

HIV/AIDS Restriction:  The Department of State is unaware of any such entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Korea.

• Visit the  Embassy of Korea  website for current visa information. Please read our  Customs Information page .

COVID-19 Requirements :

• There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
• Travel regulations and restrictions are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. You should review the information available on your nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate’s webpage before traveling.

Safety and Security

Public Demonstrations:  Demonstrations and rallies are common in South Korea, particularly near the U.S. Embassy, Seoul City Hall, and areas surrounding military installations. You should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or rallies. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK):  An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953. Tensions occasionally flare up because of provocative acts by North Korea, including ballistic missile and nuclear tests and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory. Some provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes. South Korea routinely conducts military training exercises and civil defense drills. North Korea often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages, frequently in connection with these exercises. Please see our  Fact Sheet on North Korea .

Weather-related Events:  Heavy rains and flooding may occur during the June - August monsoon season or the May - November typhoon season. See general information about natural disaster preparedness at the U.S.  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  website.

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ):  To receive security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in an emergency, register in STEP. 

If the Embassy becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the safety and security of U.S. citizens, we will inform you through our website, social media, and email.

Crime:  For most visitors, South Korea remains a very safe country. Common crimes occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, tourist sites, and crowded markets.

• Take routine safety precautions.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Report any concerns to local police.

Violent crime is not common; however, remain vigilant:

• Exercise caution in crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts.
• If traveling at night, consider traveling in groups.
• Use legitimate taxis or public transportation only.

Victims of Crime:  Call 112 for emergency assistance or to report a crime to local authorities. Call 02-397-4114 to contact the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to police;
• Contact relatives or friends on your behalf;
• Explain Korean judicial procedures in general terms;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodations and flight arrangements to the United States;
• Replace a lost or stolen passport.

Sexual Assault:   The Embassy regularly receives reports of sexual assault from U.S. citizens. Most cases involved young women assaulted by acquaintances they met on social media, dating, or messaging apps. Alcohol is often involved, and Korea’s low overall crime can create a false sense of security.  Specialized hospital units and police are available in South Korea to assist victims, however services in English and responsiveness to the crime are not always consistent. In general, sex crimes are not punished as harshly in South Korea as in the United States and the road to prosecution is a challenging one for victims.

Domestic Violence:  Victim’s assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist in Seoul and other urban areas but may be limited in rural areas. Most are government administered and require a police referral. Call 112 for emergency assistance or 1366 to reach Korea’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Victims may also contact the Embassy, tel. (+82) 2-397-4114.

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, file a report at the nearest police station.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if widely available.  It is against South Korean law to purchase these goods and against U.S. law to bring them into the United States. The  Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice  has more information.

Avoid fraud and scams:  See  Department of State  and  FBI  websites for more information.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While in Korea, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Korean laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Be aware that:

• Immigration violations can lead to arrest, fines, and deportation.
• There is little tolerance for illegal drugs.
• If you mail illegal drugs to/ from Korea, you will be prosecuted.
• Commercial disputes may lead to criminal charges being filed under local laws.

Be aware that some crimes are prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the Embassy. See our  webpage  for further information.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Dual Nationality and Military Conscription:  Dual national males (including U.S. service members) may be subject to compulsory military service. If you have family ties to South Korea, consult the nearest Korean Embassy or Consulate or the  Korean Military Manpower Administration  regarding potential citizenship obligations  before entering South Korea .

Passport Seizures and Exit Bans:  If you are involved in a criminal investigation or commercial dispute, authorities may seize your passport and/or block your departure. While we may reissue a passport, we cannot lift an exit ban.

Exit Permits:  Exit permits are not generally required. However, if a parent requests a travel restriction on his/her child, Korean authorities may prevent that child from departing even when traveling with the other parent. As of June 1, 2020, foreigners who are long-term residents of the ROK are required to obtain a re-entry permit four business days prior to departure from Korea. The permits are available online through an e-application at the  www.hikorea.go.kr  website.

International Child Abduction:  See our website for information related to the  prevention of international child abduction . 

Working in South Korea:  If working, including teaching or modeling, you must enter with the appropriate work visa. It is not possible to change your visa status without leaving the country. If you begin work without the appropriate visa, you may be arrested, fined, and/or deported. If you are working without a valid work permit and get into a contractual dispute with your employer, you have little legal recourse.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

ROK National Security Law:  Authorities may detain, arrest, and imprison persons believed to have committed acts intended to endanger the “security of the state,” including statements deemed to praise the political system and/or officials of the DPRK. 

Customs Regulations: There is strict enforcement of regulations on importing and exporting items such as firearms, narcotics and prescription drugs, non-prescription health supplements, radio equipment, and gold. Importation of materials deemed to be obscene, subversive, or harmful to the public peace is also restricted.

• Amphetamines are illegal in Korea. Do not bring amphetamines or other prescription narcotics into the country without obtaining advance permission in writing from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. See the  U.S. Embassy Seoul, Health Information page .
• Traveling with Pets: See  Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency  website.

See the  Korean Customs Regulations website for complete information.

LGBTI Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTI-oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTI issues. The ROK National Human Rights Commission Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because of their sexual orientation, but there are no laws specifying punishment for persons found to have discriminated on this basis. Same-sex marriages are not recognized. Korean citizens can legally change their gender identity.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights report  for further details.

Mobility Issues:  Korean law mandates access to transportation, communication, and public buildings. Cross walks typically have audio and visual signals. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible than modern ones. Metro cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled and most metro stations have elevators. Metro platforms include Korean Braille information. Contact individual bus companies and subway associations for specific information. Foreign residents are eligible for disability assistance from local ward offices; assistance varies by ward.

Quality of Care : Western-style medical facilities are available in most large cities. However, not all doctors and staff, are proficient in English. A  list of hospitals  and medical specialists who speak English is available on our website. For emergency ambulance service dial 119. Ambulance services are widely available. For information on medical evacuation from South Korea, please see the State Department’s brochure on  Air Ambulance/MedEvac/Medical Escort Providers . 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Verify your health insurance coverage before traveling overseas. See our webpage for information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage . In most cases, health care providers will require payment in advance of treatment or will not release a patient until hospital bills are paid. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to include coverage for medical evacuation.

Medication:  Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Most prescription medications, except psychotropic types, can be obtained at Korean pharmacies (brand names often differ). Local pharmacies will require a prescription from a Korean doctor.

Update  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For further health information go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads are well-paved, traffic signals functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws. South Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. It is recommended that you photo document any traffic accidents.

Be aware that motorcyclists may drive on sidewalks, and drivers do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

Traffic Laws include:

• International driving permit (or ROK license) is required for all drivers.
• Left-hand turns prohibited except with green arrow.
• Seat belts and car seats are mandatory.
• Motorcycle passengers must wear helmets.
• Automobile drivers are presumed to have some fault in accidents involving pedestrians.
• Expect long waits at police stations while police investigate any incidents.
• Police may take your passport or detain you during an investigation.
• Even if negligence is not proven, criminal charges may be filed.
• Blood-alcohol content of 0.03% or higher is considered legally intoxicated.
• Police regularly set up DUI checkpoints. Drivers are required to submit to breathalyzer tests; refusal can result in cancellation of your license.

For information about driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to our  Road Safety page . You may also visit the  Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of the Republic of Korea's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of the ROK's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's Safety Assessment Page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to South Korea should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

South Korea was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  South Korea.  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Young Pioneer Tours

When will North Korea open for tourism? – November 2024

When will North Korea open for tourism? The short answer is that there is no definite answer, but things have been moving in a positive direction, with regular news from our North Korean partners in Beijing and Pyongyang pointing to a 2024 reopening to tourism.

North Korea was the first country to close their borders to all tourism and travel on January 22 nd 2020 and as things stand will be the last one to fully reopen.

Is there coronavirus in North Korea?

Upon the closure of the border, North Korea enacted stringent anti-epidemic measures internally, and the border remained virtually closed off to the entire world except with limited trading with China and Russia. The country had zero recorded cases of COVID-19 up until the 12th of May, 2022 where cases of Omicron were first detected in Pyongyang. It’s possible to follow and track COVID-19 cases in North Korea.

Since then reported cases have been few and far between, although no one quite knows if this is due to no real cases, or the virus dying out. This has continued as the country has reopened, although again and much like China it may simply be a case of people no longer being tested.

What is the North Korean government stance on opening the borders?

North Korea had officially stated they will not reopen their borders until there is a readily available vaccine . However, these statements were made in early February of 2020 when the scope of what COVID-19 would become was not fully realised yet, with the disease only severely affecting a few countries.

Sadly the DPRK never embarked on any vaccination program for various reasons, so their reopening has thus become more unpredictable and also less related to the country being vaccinated and more so to so-called “herd immunity”.

Has China reopening its borders affected North Korea reopening?

The reopening of Chinese borders earlier this year has had huge repercussions with regards to how the DPRK view the virus. As expected they watched the Chinese “shock therapy” very closely and to an extent are trying something similar.

It is generally assumed that Chinese business interests have also helped push North Korean boundaries to reopening the country, as well as diplomatic pushes from both the China and Russia embassies . .

When will North Korea reopen to tourism October 2024 Update

Things have been kind of going how we expected them to. At first flights were resumed, then North Koreans abroad were allowed “home” although with a 7 day quarantine. Since then North Korea has not “reopened to foreigners”, but have reduced quarantine time to just 48 hours. This has seemingly be done to aid both diplomats and business people alike, rather than tourists, although it is an evolving situation too.

Next steps will likely see special tourist zones such as Sinuiju, or Rason open to a limited amount of Chinese guests, before mass tourism, or open tourism are allowed in the country again. And even then things may well look very different to how they did before.

Recently there has been a lot of news that seems to lead credence to the country opening sooner rather than later, such as the country switching to the United States Dollar, as well as raising prices . And while neither of these are not necessarily good news , they do at least hint towards the country moving to open.

Another recent development, or rather rumour is that athletes may be allowed back into the country from January, and while this is athletes, rather than tourists it again hints towards the country opening, even if it slowly.

Therefore our personal belief is that we will see some kind of opening of North Korea to tourism potentially from March, with a full opening in time for the birthday of Kim Il-Sung as well as the Pyongyang Marathon .

As always though we will be the first to break any news about the country and hopefully its reopening to toruism.

What will a North Korea open to tourism look like?

No one quite knows what a North Korea that has reopened to tourism will look like, but we can make some educated guesses on the matter. As previously stated there is a strong possibility that any initial opening to tourism could be restricted to Chinese, and, or Russian guests .

If and when westerners are allowed back in, things will likely also be very different to how they were previously. Essentially no tourists for over 3 years has meant no tourist money and thus a lack of investment in infrastructure, a huge problem even before the pandemic. One problem here is that when the country opens its doors, there will likely be huge demand from people wanting to visit, with this creating a bottleneck – something we have previously seen on many occasions and indeed something I have written about .

Another facet that is likely to occur is that while the country does indeed reopen, paranoia around the virus remains and there are various practicals put in place that will severely change what a tour to the DPRK looks like. These could include the train no longer being an option for tourists, as well as further restrictions on interactions between foreigners and North Korean citizens. How this looks in practice is yet to be seen, but it might mean that things such as visiting the Pyongyang Metro are not immediately an option for tour operators and visitors to North Korea.

What are YPT doing until the reopening of North Korea?

Since the closure of North Korea to tourism Young Pioneer Tours have remained in constant with out partners from the DPRK in Beijing and Pyongyang about both the situation in the country, as well as news related to North Korean Tourism.

And as such we have continued to do what we do best, plan unique and interesting tours to North Korea, with us currently working on opening Manpo city  in Chagang province on the DPRK Chinese border among other ideas.

In addition to new destinations and tourist possibilities, we have also been working alongside our North Korean travel partners to make sure local guiding and hospitality staff in North Korea are prepared to deliver a safe, hygienic and, most importantly, phenomenal tourist experience for our Pioneers.

Patience remains a virtue when it comes to North Korea opening its borders to tourism again, but the moment the borders reopen, we are on standby to take you back. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the country or a first-time traveler, we encourage you to take a look at our upcoming tour schedule for an idea of what we have in store for when we can all welcome in a new era of North Korean tourism together.

To make sure you always receive the most accurate up to date information regarding the tourism situation in North Korea, make sure to sign up to our newsletter , or follow us on Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram and Telegram for breaking news about the reopening of North Korea, as well as the many other travel destinations that YPT offer.

We hope to see you all in Pyongyang soon!

About Post Author

Rowan Beard

Rowan’s a YPT co-founder with over 100 visits to North Korea (DPRK) and visited 100+ countries. You’ll most likely catch him leading group tours in Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.

See author's posts

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How to Visit North Korea’s DMZ Border (Updated 2023)

A s controversial a place as North Korea is, it's swiftly gaining attention from the curious tourist eye. Our intrigue to see it was piqued during a visit to Seoul with friends. Having now taken the DMZ tour ourselves, this highly informative if not haunting experience is one we would highly recommend . So, if you've got guts and a desire to get a snippet into one of the most closed countries on earth, here's how to do it!

Getting there & where to stay

First, you need to get yourself to Seoul, which is the nearest major city to the DMZ border. South Korea is only reachable by flight, with most planes flying into Incheon International Airport. Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates to fly. Be sure to check our flight booking hacks here to get yourself the best price. And don't forget to book your airport transfer and a 4G Data SIM card before you land!

A fast way to get a big discount on your flight is to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 ) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. United and Singapore Airlines are both partner airlines of this card, and both offer flights to Seoul, meaning you can convert your points to these airline loyalty programs, or just book directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Seoul is a buzzing megacity with plenty of enticing accommodation options. There are plentiful  AirBNBs  and  hotel  selections, but be sure to reserve ahead in peak season. Some convenient neighbourhood options include Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Check  TripAdvisor  for more local tips and advice.

There is plenty to explore in Seoul itself, and a local guide can help ensure you catch the best of the best. Be sure to check out the Gyeongbok Palace & Temple , or grab the Seoul Pass , which grants free entry to 65 attractions and discounted entry to 101 more.

How to visit North Korea's DMZ Border:

Step 1. choose your points of interest.

There are several companies that operate DMZ tours. As much as I despise group tours, you can only visit the DMZ with a tour , as it has restricted civilian access and requires a mandatory military escort.

No two tours are the same, but you should choose one based on your budget, customer reviews, and points of interest that are included. Tours can be browsed with reviews, prices, and instant confirmation through Klook , GetYourGuide and Viator . The main highlights to select from are as follows:

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea . At this spot, you'll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). This area is occupied by the South Korean and US military, and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine (which in our experience tastes like nail polish remover and turpentine but hey, at least you can say you tried it).

NOTE: As of 2023, the JSA is still closed to visitors due to COVID, and is not included in any tours.

Odusan Unification Observatory

One can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea without setting foot in the country at Mt Odu Observatory. Binoculars (free of charge) provide ultra zoomed up views of North Korea opposite the Han river below. On our visit we were able to see civilians walking around on the other side.

Infiltration Tunnels

Scarily enough, around the time that the North and South were having peace talks, North Korea began digging underground tunnels to infiltrate the South. They were never completed, but were discovered in 1984. The longest tunnel is 1,082 metres. The 3rd tunnel is the closest to Seoul (only 44km away) and could move ~30,000 troops and artillery per hour.

Dora Observatory

This observatory offers binocular views of North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong. The town was first built in the 1950's to lure South Koreans to defect and move across the border. From visual observations from the South, it has been uninhabited with windowless, incomplete buildings since its construction.

Dora Observatory is so named after Dorasan the mountain on which it sits. The nearest train station has a fully completed train line that runs to Pyongyang. Though the North cooperated in its completion, it was never used. It is hoped that when re-unification is reached, the train line will be used to connect the two Koreas.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea, though a massive barricade blocks entry to the connecting point over the river. If the two sides are ever connected, this bridge could be used to enter and exit North Korea.

Step 2. Select a tour

Once you've decided on your must-see highlights (as listed above), you can select a tour.

There are traditional tour companies to choose from, which are listed at the end of this article along with prices and contact information, but it's much easier to book tours online with Klook , GetYourGuide  and Viator . You pay in advance and get fast confirmation, so all you need to do is bring your voucher to the tour. There are reviews, photos, and videos that make choosing the right tour simple. The traditional companies require back and forth e-mail or phone communication when booking direct, so Klook , GetYourGuide  and  Viator are convenient ways to avoid all that hassle.

One of the most popular tours is this day tour on Klook , with more than 50,000 bookings. This is the tour most of our readers have chosen, and is the tour we would select today. Our trip was now several years ago, and at the time we took the Special Panmunjom Tour by Panmunjeom Travel Center  which does not visit the tunnels but goes to Odu Observatory and the JSA. This tour offered the chance to speak with a North Korean refugee (defector). This allowed us to learn about how people escape the North, how they adapt to life afterwards, and what knowledge they have of the outside world living in North Korea.

Get $10 USD off your first Klook purchase with coupon code THRIFTY10 (minimum spend $120 USD, new users only)

Here are some of the top-rated tours that can be booked online:

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half-Day Tour (Bestseller)

From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

DMZ Past and Present: Korean Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Step 3. take ( lots of ) photos of north korea.

Much of the road towards the JSA border runs parallel to the Han River, which separates the two countries. It's nothing short of unique to be sitting in a bus with views of North Korea passing by out your window.

The binoculars at the Dora and Odu observatory provide ultra zoomed views of North Korea. One can even see North Korean civilians walking around on the other side, as we did during our visit at Odu . At Dora Observatory, North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong, is viewed.

Step 4. Cross the border into North Korea

On a tension-free day at the JSA, one can legally take a step into North Korea. But how and why ?

The blue buildings pictured below are UN Command neutral zones. Midway, the inside of these blue buildings cross the North/South Korea border. Inside the building on the right (UNCMAC) is where meetings between the two countries are housed.

If you want photo evidence that you physically stood in North Korea, this can be done . You can pose with a South Korean soldier within  North Korea at the back of the UNCMAC room. Be warned though (and you will be), if you cross through the door behind you, no one is responsible for your safety as you'll be alone and in North Korea.

Important Points About DMZ Tours

• Many tours require reservation 2-5 days in advance , so check ahead.
• If visiting the JSA, you must sign a waiver agreeing that no one is responsible for accident, injury, or even death . Take comfort in the fact that these tours are done every day and you are accompanied by military escorts at the border!
• You must bring your passport for most tours , and it is checked by army personnel on arrival at the JSA.
• You must adhere to the specified dress code (e.g. no ripped jeans, sandals, or unkempt hair). These rules are strictly enforced as North Korean soldiers take photos and produce false propaganda that other countries are too poor to afford proper clothing.
• Tours can end unexpectedly at any time if tensions rise at the border . That means you are not be guaranteed to step into the UNCMAC at the JSA, nor is it certain you'll get a photo across the border.

In Summary…

Partaking in the DMZ tour allows yourself to gain much more depth on a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. If you have the chance to do this trip, I'd highly recommend it.

Tour Companies & Pricing

Alternatively, you can contact one of the tour companies below directly and book with them.

Panmunjeom Travel Center Website : www.panmunjomtour.com Telephone : +82-2-771-5593 (Korean, English, Japanese) Price : 80,000-77,000 won (~$60-$77 USD). All tours include lunch. Note : Tours offered in Korean, English, and Japanese. This is the only company that allows you to meet a North Korean defector/refugee, ask them questions, and better understand the human rights issues of North Korea.

VIP Travel Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/eng/ Telephone: 02-739-3501 ext. 4 Price: 55,000-135,000 won ($48 – $120 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes: Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese. None of the tours include any forced shopping stops.

Koridoor Website :  www.koridoor.co.kr Telephone : 02-6383-2570 ext. 2 Price : 43-89,000 won (~$41-$80 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in English.

JSA Tour Website : www.jsatour.com Telephone : +82-2-2266-3350 Price : 85,000-120,000 won (~$85-$120 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ Spy Tour Website : www.dmzspytour.com Telephone : +82-10-3950-8350 Price: 88,000-114,000 won (~$88-$114 USD). Tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

International Culture Service Club Website : www.tourdmz.com Telephone : +82-2-755-0073 Price : 65,000-85,000 won (~$65-$85 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English and Japanese. This is the only company that does Saturday tours.

Seoul City Tour Website : www.seoulcitytour.net Telephone : +82-2-774-3345 Price: 40,000-125,000 won (~$40-$125 USD). Only some tours include lunch. Notes : Tours are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

KTB Tour Website : www.go2korea.co.kr Telephone : +82-2-778-0150 Price : 65,000-130,000 won (~$65-$130 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ & JSA Tour (Professional Guide Service / Celebrity's choice Agency) Website : www.cosmojin.com Telephone : +82-2-318-0345 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-318-0425 (Chinese) Price : 46,000 won (~$46 USD) for half-day tour, 87,000 won (~$87 USD) for full day tour. Lunch included on full day tour. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese.

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You guys are so brave! This makes me a bit nervous and I’m not sure I would be able to do it!

The link to the GetYourGuide tour you provided doesn’t work. Do you have an updated link by any chance? Thank you!

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N. Korea to open border 'very soon' after yearslong closure: travel agency

Published : Aug. 11, 2023 - 16:11

Link copied

North Korea is expected to officially reopen its border "very soon" after years of lockdown, a travel agency specializing in tourism to North Korea announced on Friday.

But the opening of the North Korean border would initially be for North Korean citizens only, Koryo Tours, headquartered in Beijing, said on its website, citing multiple unnamed North Korean sources.

"No official date has been given," the agency added.

If North Korea were to reopen its border, it would be the first instance since January 2020 when it initiated a draconian border shutdown in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, with whom it shares a border.

North Korean workers, students, professionals, diplomats, and those residing in China and other countries since the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to return to their homeland.

They will likely to make their way back home by train, as international commercial flights to and from Pyongyang have yet to resume, according to the travel agency.

Koryo Tours also said that North Korea could soon allow entry for significant individuals like diplomats and personnel from international nongovernmental organizations such as the UN.

Starting from 2020, international and humanitarian organizations such as the FAO and UNICEF, along with European embassies, in North Korea have had to suspend operations, resulting in the departure of their staff.

In response to the travel agency's statement, South Korea's Unification Ministry announced on Friday that it will closely monitor the potential reopening of the border, considering North Korea's policy change of easing mandatory quarantine measures overall.

Reports from North Korean state media indicate that the country has lifted its nationwide COVID-19 mask requirement, starting in July. These reports depict individuals at factories and in their daily routines without masks, suggesting a shift in the mandate.

The entry of Wang Yajun, the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea, into Pyongyang this March has also ignited anticipation for the border's reopening. Wang's arrival was initially postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic following his appointment.

It was the first official confirmation of a foreign national's entry since the imposition of the border closure.

Then, high-level delegations from China and Russia visited Pyongyang on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the July 27 armistice agreement. This was also the first visit by foreign representatives for a national gathering since 2020.

Additionally, North Korea has incrementally reopened border entry points with China and resumed its participation in international sports events.

North Korea plans to dispatch a team of 100 athletes to the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Championships, which will be held in Kazakhstan from Aug. 19 to 27.

North Korea has also announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled for September.

Articles by Ji Da-gyum

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Trade expected to gain as Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge set to open in November

The 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge being built across the Mekong River will open in November. The new border crossing point will be the gateway to Bolikhamsai district in Laos, and is expected to facilitate the economy, tourism and trade between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China.

The bridge will connect Thailand’s Bueng Kan province with Paksam in Laos. The Cabinet gave its approval to the Department of Highways under the Transport Ministry to start construction in 2012. On June 14, 2019 both countries signed an agreement on co-construction at Bueng Kan province

Nearly 80 per cent of the construction work has been finished and the Friendship Bridge project is expected to be completed by November, the ministry said.

The opening of the bridge is expected to not only boost cross-border trade, investment and tourism between both countries, but also facilitate the export of Thai goods to southern China.

The bridge is 16.18 kilometres long — 12.13km on the Thai side long and 2.86km on the Lao side. The bridge begins on the intersection of highway No. 222 in Bueng Kan district, Bueng Kan province and terminates at the intersection of road 13 in Paksan, Bolikhamsai district in Laos.

The highway has four lanes, each lane 3.50 metres wide with a 2.50-metre shoulder in a 60-metre road zone. The extradosed prestressed concrete bridge has two traffic lanes and a shoulder and sidewalk with an 810-metre span across the Mekong River. There are border control facilities on both sides and a traffic switch point on the Lao side.

Thailand has invested 3.930 billion baht on the bridge — 2.553 million baht for construction and 77 million baht for construction control.

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Trade expected to gain as Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge set to open in November

Saturday, 27 Apr 2024

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Image from The Nation Thailand/ANN

VIENTIANE (The Nation Thailand/ANN): The 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge being built across the Mekong River will open in November. The new border crossing point will be the gateway to Bolikhamsai district in Laos, and is expected to facilitate the economy, tourism and trade between Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China.

The bridge will connect Thailand’s Bueng Kan province with Paksam in Laos. The Cabinet gave its approval to the Department of Highways under the Transport Ministry to start construction in 2012. On June 14, 2019 both countries signed an agreement on co-construction at Bueng Kan province

Nearly 80 per cent of the construction work has been finished and the Friendship Bridge project is expected to be completed by November, the ministry said.

The opening of the bridge is expected to not only boost cross-border trade, investment and tourism between both countries, but also facilitate the export of Thai goods to southern China.

The bridge is 16.18 kilometres long — 12.13km on the Thai side long and 2.86km on the Lao side. The bridge begins on the intersection of highway No. 222 in Bueng Kan district, Bueng Kan province and terminates at the intersection of road 13 in Paksan, Bolikhamsai district in Laos.

The highway has four lanes, each lane 3.50 metres wide with a 2.50-metre shoulder in a 60-metre road zone. The extradosed prestressed concrete bridge has two traffic lanes and a shoulder and sidewalk with an 810-metre span across the Mekong River. There are border control facilities on both sides and a traffic switch point on the Lao side.

Thailand has invested 3.930 billion baht on the bridge — 2.553 million baht for construction and 77 million baht for construction control. - The Nation Thailand/ANN

Tags / Keywords: Thailand , Laos , Friendship Bridge , No.5 , Big Trade Partnership

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