First British tourists allowed back into North Korea tell BBC what they saw

BBC - Feb 28th, 2025

Western tourism has resumed in North Korea after a five-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitors experiencing the country's stringent controls and isolated environment. Tourists from various Western countries participated in tightly regulated tours, led by local guides, to the remote region of Rason. Tour operators like Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours organized these trips, which avoided the capital Pyongyang, offering instead a glimpse into Rason's special economic zone. The tours, described by some as akin to a school trip, featured visits to select locations like a beer factory and a school, where tourists observed choreographed events and glimpses of everyday life under North Korea's regime.

The reopening of tourism has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of visiting North Korea. Critics argue that such trips may inadvertently support the regime, as tourists' expenditures are funneled to the state rather than benefiting the local populace. Despite these concerns, tour leaders emphasize the unique opportunity for cultural exchange and the chance for North Koreans to interact with foreigners. However, the experiences of tourists reveal the country's ongoing challenges, including economic difficulties exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions and an information blockade that leaves even well-informed guides in the dark about global events. The story highlights the complexities of engaging with one of the most secretive nations in the world and raises questions about the future of tourism and international relations with North Korea.

North Korea Koryo Tours Rason Western Tourists Young Pioneer Tours Covid 19 Pandemic Cultural Exchange

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a compelling narrative of the first Western tourists returning to North Korea, offering insights into their experiences and the current state of the country. While it effectively captures the tourists' perspectives, it lacks depth in exploring the broader geopolitical and ethical implications. The reliance on firsthand accounts from tourists and tour operators limits the diversity of sources, and the article could benefit from more extensive verification of claims, particularly regarding Covid-19 and North Korea's isolation. Despite these limitations, the article is timely and relevant, engaging readers interested in travel and international relations. Its clarity and readability make it accessible, though the exploration of controversial topics could be more comprehensive to fully engage a broader audience.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims about tourism in North Korea, the conditions within the country, and the experiences of tourists. It accurately reports on the resumption of tourism and the restrictions placed on tourists, such as being accompanied by guides and following a pre-approved schedule. However, some claims, like the impact of Covid-19 on North Korea and the extent of the country's isolation, require further verification. The assertion that North Korea has eradicated Covid-19 in 90 days is particularly questionable and lacks external corroboration. Additionally, while the article mentions the economic conditions and infrastructure issues, these observations are anecdotal and need more comprehensive data for full accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the experiences of Western tourists and the perspectives of tour operators. While it touches on the criticisms of North Korea tourism, particularly from human rights advocates, these viewpoints are not as extensively explored. The narrative leans towards the tourists' experiences and observations, potentially underrepresenting the voices of North Korean citizens and experts on North Korean affairs. The inclusion of critics like Joanna Hosaniak provides some balance, but a deeper exploration of the ethical implications of tourism in North Korea would enhance this dimension.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, accessible language. It effectively conveys the tourists' experiences and observations, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The use of direct quotes enhances the storytelling and provides a personal touch. However, some complex issues, such as the geopolitical implications of North Korea's isolation and the ethical considerations of tourism, are not fully unpacked, which could affect comprehension for readers less familiar with the context.

Source quality

The article relies on firsthand accounts from tourists and tour operators, which provide valuable insights but may lack comprehensive authority. The use of quotes from individuals like Rowan Beard and Greg Vaczi lends authenticity to the narrative, yet these sources have a vested interest in promoting tourism. The article does not extensively cite independent experts or official data, which could strengthen the reliability of the information presented. The absence of official North Korean perspectives or data further limits the source quality.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the tourists' experiences but lacks transparency regarding the methodology of gathering information. It does not disclose how the tourists' accounts were verified or whether any attempts were made to corroborate their observations with independent sources. The article could benefit from more explicit disclosure of the potential biases of the sources, particularly the tour operators, and any limitations in accessing information about North Korea.