Is the North Korea Border Open? A question we get asked a lot, it’s a question that we wished we had a positive answer to. Unfortunately this isn’t the case and the North Korea border remains sealed to anyone other than Russian passport holders.
Although the border is closed, we are in contact with our North Korean partners in Pyongyang; they have assured us that as soon as the border opens we will be notified right away. This blog will act a hub for North Korea Border news and updates so check by regularly for new information.
Keep an eye on our North Korea tours page to be kept up to date on the border reopening.
History
North Korea closed its borders in January 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, there have been occasional signs that a full reopening could be on the horizon, but no clear timetable has ever been confirmed. More than three years on, the situation remains uncertain, with only limited exceptions granted to specific groups.
Pyongyang Marathon 2026 Cancelled – March 2026
One of the most anticipated international events in North Korea, the Pyongyang International Marathon, will not take place in 2026. The race had previously been expected to be held in April in the capital city of Pyongyang, continuing its long tradition as the country’s most prominent international sporting event.
The marathon has historically been one of the few occasions when foreign visitors have been able to enter North Korea in significant numbers, with participants travelling as part of organised delegations. In 2025 the race returned for the first time in several years following the pandemic-related border closures, allowing hundreds of international runners to take part alongside local athletes.
With the cancellation of the 2026 event, one of the few potential entry points for international visitors has effectively been removed. While the marathon’s absence does not necessarily indicate broader policy changes, it does highlight the continuing uncertainty surrounding tourism and travel access to the DPRK.
You can find further info here.
The Latest Update on Tourism to North Korea – March 2026
North Korea remains closed to most tourists as of March 2026. Latest DPRK travel update from Beyond the Borders Tours.
As of 1 March 2026, North Korea, officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, remains closed to international tourism. The only confirmed exception is for Russian nationals, who are currently permitted to visit under limited and tightly managed arrangements.
There have been no official announcements or confirmed timelines regarding when the DPRK will reopen its borders to travellers of other nationalities. While speculation continues to circulate within the travel industry, there is currently no verified information pointing to a wider reopening.
Some limited international transport links have begun to resume. In March 2026, passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang were scheduled to restart for the first time since the pandemic-related border closures of 2020. The route, which crosses the Yalu River via the Chinese city of Dandong before continuing to Pyongyang, has historically been one of the main international rail connections into North Korea.
While the resumption of the train service is a notable development, it does not currently indicate a broader reopening to tourism. Early reports suggest the service will primarily carry diplomats and travellers with official purposes rather than international tour groups.
In addition to the resumption of rail services, limited air connections are also beginning to return. Air China is expected to resume weekly flights between Beijing and Pyongyang from late March 2026, marking the first restart of this route since 2020. While this represents a further step in restoring international links, it is not currently connected to wider tourism access and is likely to be used primarily for official travel and approved visitors. You can read more about this development in our update on Air China Beijing to Pyongyang flights.
At Beyond the Borders Tours, we continue to monitor developments closely through our trusted partners and long standing local contacts. Our team remains fully prepared to resume tours as soon as reliable confirmation is issued and conditions allow.
We look forward to welcoming adventurous travellers back to North Korea the moment the country officially reopens.
Pyongyang Marathon Announcement for 2026
The Pyongyang International Marathon has recently been confirmed for 2026, but it will take place as a special delegation event rather than through general tourism channels. This means it does not indicate a wider reopening of the DPRK border for regular travellers.
We’ve put together a short breakdown of what this announcement really means and how it fits into the broader picture of future travel to North Korea.
For now, the DPRK remains closed for standard tourism, and we continue to monitor developments closely.
You can read the full update here:
The Mass Games Return – 9th October 2025
While the return of North Korea’s Mass Games in October 2025 is a positive and significant cultural development, it’s important to note that this does not signal a reopening of North Korea’s borders to foreign tourism.
The 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea was marked with a full-scale Mass Games performance at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium – the first since 2019. However, attendance was strictly limited.
Only a small number of foreign guests with official invitations were permitted to enter the country.
Russian nationals remain the only group currently allowed to visit under specific bilateral arrangements.
No general tourist visas are being issued, and regular tourism remains suspended.
So while the Mass Games are an encouraging sign that large-scale state events are returning, international tourism has not yet resumed. When and how the border will reopen more widely is still uncertain.
Wondering what the Mass Games are? Click below:
North Korea Border update September 2025
Sadly, there is still no positive news regarding the reopening of the North Korean border. While the new Wonsan Kalma resort has welcomed Russian guests, entry remains closed to all other nationalities for the time being.
In recent weeks, the North Korean leadership attended the Victory Day parade in China, signalling closer ties between the two countries. Could this pave the way for Chinese tourists to return to the DPRK in the near future? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, the Wonsan Kalma Cooking Festival 2025 concluded with a colourful showcase of the country’s evolving food culture. Signature dishes from the renowned Okryu and Changgwang restaurants were praised for their authentic flavours and nutritional value, while a variety of Pyongyang and provincial specialities added local character. Hotels in the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area further enriched the celebrations with food, drink, and lively demonstrations, culminating on 27 September with a closing ceremony where the most outstanding participants were awarded diplomas.
Rason tours – June 2025
In June 2025, there were unofficial reports suggesting that North Korea’s border might reopen to Chinese passport holders – not for tourism, but for those involved in developing partnerships in the Rason tourism industry.
To verify, we contacted our local partner in Pyongyang, who confirmed that at present only Russian passport holders are permitted to visit Rason as tourists.
It’s worth noting that Rason briefly reopened in February 2025, allowing several tourism groups to enter before the border was suddenly closed again.
Make sure to sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest updates on the North Korea border reopening. We will share official news as soon as it becomes available.
Pyongyang International Marathon 2025 – April 2025
The Pyongyang International Marathon returned in April 2025 for the first time since 2019, and we were fortunate enough to attend. It was an incredible event and, like many others, we hoped it would signal the beginning of a broader reopening of tourism in North Korea. Sadly, this has not yet been the case.
As of August 2025, we are still awaiting confirmation from our North Korean partner regarding the possibility of arranging tours for the Pyongyang International Marathon 2026. At present, it remains unclear whether or how foreign visitors will be able to attend.
Tours for the Pyongyang Marathon 2026 will be announced on our North Korea Tours page as soon as more information becomes available.
Rason tours – February 2025
In February 2025, tours to Rason briefly resumed, raising hopes that this marked the beginning of a wider reopening of tourism in North Korea. The industry was energised and excited to finally be operating again after years of closures.
However, after just two weeks, the border was abruptly closed once more, leading to the cancellation of multiple tours. This sudden reversal came as a major shock and a huge disappointment for both visitors and operators. The exact reason for the swift shutdown remains unclear.
Rason border opening – January 2025
In January 2025, the border from North Korea to China has opened for the first time since 2020, unfortunately the Chinese side remained closed, and this was expected to open directly after the Chinese New Year.
North Korea Border Updates – July 2024
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
North Korea’s leader made a visit to the Wonsan – Kalma Beach Resort, a high-profile development along the country’s east coast. The resort is now slated to officially open in May 2025. Much like the Mount Paektu Cultural Resort Area, this project is framed as part of Pyongyang’s wider push to stimulate tourism in North Korea. Observers note the leader’s remarks during the visit echoed earlier statements on tourism-led growth.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
A delegation from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), led by its Director-General, arrived in Pyongyang, according to reports from NK News. This marks the first official visit by a humanitarian organization since North Korea’s cautious, gradual reopening in the aftermath of COVID-19 border closures. While few details have been released about the scope or nature of the FAO’s visit, many analysts view it as a cautiously optimistic sign that access for international groups may continue to expand – albeit slowly.
Thursday, July 11 – Friday, July 12, 2024
During a visit to the Mount Paektu Cultural Resort Area, North Korea’s leader reportedly emphasized that efforts to revitalise tourism would be directed toward “friendly foreigners.” The meaning of this phrase remains ambiguous, and it is unclear whether the remark applied solely to the Mount Paektu redevelopment project or to broader tourism policy.
North Korea Border Updates – April 2024
Thursday 11 – Thursday 25 April 2024
Pyongyang hosted the 33rd April Spring Friendship Art Festival, featuring performances by international guests from countries including Russia, China, Mongolia, Laos, Belarus, Brazil, as well as Korean residents from Japan, China, and Russia.
Thursday 11 – Thursday 18 April 2024
Delegates from Juche Idea study groups worldwide gathered in Pyongyang for an international seminar on the Juche Idea. The event was organised by the International Institute of the Juche Idea together with the Korean Association of Social Scientists, coinciding with the 112th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. NK News Article
If you have any questions about tours to the DPRK, we are always available, feel free to contact us.
DPRK Border Updates FAQs
When will the North Korean Border reopen?
At this time, we don’t know when the North Korea border will reopen. We are hopeful that tours to the Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 may be possible, but nothing has been finalised.
Things in the DPRK can move quickly, we may receive an email tomorrow stating that the borders are opening the following week. If you sign up to our newsletter, you will be the first to know when they open and you can be one of the first non-Russian foreign tourists back in North Korea.
Can I book a North Korea Tour in advance?
We are not currently accepting bookings for North Korea tours. As soon as we receive confirmation that the border is open, we will publish details of available tours on our website.
Who can visit North Korea?
At present, only Russian passport holders are permitted to enter North Korea as tourists.
Why is the North Korea border still closed?
It is unclear why the North Korea border is still closed, there have been signs of the border opening over the past couple of years but nothing has materialised.
Is the Pyongyang Marathon open to foreign runners?
The Pyongyang International Marathon was held in 2025 and did allow foreign runners to participate for the first time since 2019. Whether the Pyongyang International Marathon 2026 will allow foreign participants remains unknown.
