Tourism U-Turn: North Korea closes borders again

North Korea has recently closed its borders to Western tourists, just weeks after opening the experimental capitalist city of Rason to international visitors.

It is unknown why Kim Jong-un has stopped international tourism again, but some analysts say it may be connected to the ongoing international military exercises. Photo (2017): Vietnam Mobiography, Flickr CC BY 2.0

The reason for the sudden reversal remains unclear, especially as Pyongyang had been promoting tourism with events like the Pyongyang Marathon and Wonsan-Kalma resort tours, which are now in question.

This move follows years of strict border controls, including increased fortifications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysts speculate the closure may be linked to internal security concerns, diplomatic shifts, or fears of foreign influence. The future of international tourism in North Korea remains highly uncertain.

Heightened military activities

The closure coincides with heightened military activities in the region. South Korea and the United States have commenced their annual joint military exercises, known as Freedom Shield, aimed at enhancing defense readiness against North Korean threats.

Additionally, an incident occurred during a training exercise where South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped bombs on a civilian area near the North Korean border, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Military involvement in Russia?

Several analysts have linked North Korea's recent suspension of international tourism to its military involvement in Russia. For instance, The Guardian reported that analysts believe Moscow's intensified operations, bolstered by North Korean forces, have pressured Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region.

Additionally, Reuters highlighted that analysts note North Korea's military support has shifted the strategic balance in the area, impacting Ukraine's territorial control. These developments suggest that North Korea's internal policy changes, such as halting tourism, may be influenced by its external military engagements.

Unpredictable

North Korea has criticized these drills, highlighting the risk of such accidents escalating into armed conflict.

Analysts speculate that North Korea's border closure may be a response to these military exercises and incidents, reflecting concerns over regional security and foreign influence. The unpredictable nature of North Korea's tourism policies continues to pose challenges for international engagement.

North Korea has recently showcased advancements in its military capabilities. Notably, Kim Jong-un unveiled the construction of the country's first nuclear-powered submarine, capable of carrying nuclear missiles, which poses a significant threat to regional security.