Ministry of Unification: "North Korea Individual Tourism Depends on North's Decision to Accept South Korean Citizens"

Government Reiterates Strong Commitment to Promotion
Individual Tourism Realization Depends on North Korea's Decision

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un provided on-site guidance at the construction site of the Yangdok Hot Spring Tourist Area in South Pyongan Province, which is nearing completion, according to a report by Korean Central Television on November 15 last year. The photo is a screenshot from Korean Central Television showing Chairman Kim's wife, Ri Sol Ju, checking the water temperature with her hand.

The Ministry of Unification stated on the 21st that individual tourism to North Korea does not violate sanctions against the North, and emphasized that for individual tourism to become a reality, "it is important that North Korea accepts South Korean citizens for tourism purposes."

On the same day, a Ministry of Unification official told reporters that in response to a question about whether there are ongoing consultations with the North regarding individual tourism by South Korean citizens, "First, the North Korean authorities must establish a policy to allow our citizens to visit North Korea for tourism before concrete consultations can take place," adding this point.

The government is accelerating the establishment of institutional procedures for South Koreans' individual tourism to North Korea. The realization of individual tourism ultimately depends on North Korea's decision.

Earlier on the 20th, the Ministry of Unification emphasized the necessity of individual tourism to North Korea through a 'Reference Material on Individual Tourism' and stated, "We are reviewing various options, including how to proceed with consultations with the North."

The Ministry of Unification pointed out that citizens from China, Japan, Australia, Canada, and European countries are already engaging in individual tourism to North Korea, emphasizing, "There is no need to impose separate strict standards on our individual tourism, nor do we think it is appropriate to do so."

The 'individual tourism' referred to by the government contrasts with the group tourism method through existing cooperative business entities. The Ministry of Unification explained, "It refers to visiting North Korea after individually confirming the North's invitation through non-profit organizations or third-country travel agencies, rather than group tours through existing cooperative business entities, and obtaining approval to visit."

Specifically, possible types include ▲ visits to the Mount Kumgang or Kaesong areas by separated families or social organizations ▲ visits to North Korean regions by South Koreans via third countries ▲ and allowing foreigners to participate in inter-Korean linked tourism.

The Ministry of Unification stated, "Individual tourism differs from the business-type Mount Kumgang tourism," and added, "Comprehensive personal safety guarantees between authorities are necessary when tourism fully resumes." Regarding documents that guarantee personal safety, the Ministry explained, "Travel agencies work with the North to develop these," and "As long as they comply with the government's principles on personal safety guarantees, there are no restrictions on the format of the documents."