Russia and North Korea are developing new tourism programs, Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov said.
Kozlov, who serves as co-chairman of the Russia-North Korea Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation Committee, told RIA Novosti on Monday that "work is underway to develop new tourism programs," adding that he is "confident that joint projects to build tourism infrastructure will also be launched."
He said both countries are paying close attention to expanding transportation links, a key condition for increasing tourist numbers. "Over the past two years, both sides have expanded passenger rail services, including opening a direct route between Moscow and Pyongyang, and this year an air route connecting Moscow and Pyongyang was established for the first time in 77 years," he said, explaining that tourism demand is growing.
Kozlov said the number of Russian tourists heading to North Korea in 2024 and 2025 far exceeds pre-COVID-19 levels. Approximately 4,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea last year, and this year the figure is expected to reach 7,000, he said. This represents a significant increase compared to about 1,000 visitors in 2019.
Kozlov noted growing Russian interest in North Korea's Masikryong Ski Resort and the Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort area. "Next year, we will once again see an increase in the number of tourists visiting North Korea," he predicted.
