North Korea's Funfair Reopens for Tourists

North Korea has announced plans to reopen its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in nearly five years, following extensive closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in December, travelers will be permitted to visit the city of Samjiyon, with tour operators based in China confirming the news. While tourists from various countries will be welcomed, South Koreans remain excluded from these trips. KTG Tours, based in Shenyang, indicated that while Samjiyon is the only confirmed destination for now, there are expectations that Pyongyang and other locations may soon follow suit. Among the attractions likely to draw visitors is the Manyongdae funfair, located just outside the capital. This amusement park has previously faced criticism from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who described it as "pathetic" during a visit in 2012. He noted various issues, including a damaged path and peeling paint, and subsequently assigned a military vice-marshal to oversee renovations. Reports suggest that local farmers are often enlisted to test the rides, and residents are sometimes gathered to create the appearance of a bustling park for foreign guests. The reopening marks a significant shift for the isolated nation, which had closed its borders in early 2020 in response to the pandemic. However, skepticism remains regarding the actual implementation of these plans, as expressed by Chad O’Carroll, head of the US-based Korea Risk Group, who stated, “I will believe it when I see it.”