Demand for tours to the DPRK has increased in Russia

Tourism in the DPRK remains a niche, but, according to experts, the interest of Russians in this country continues to increase. According to the EMISS, in the first half of 2025, 1,935 Russians entered the DPRK for the purpose of tourism, which is practically the same as in the previous year, when the number of tourists was 1,957. This was reported by the Delovoy Peterburg newspaper on August 25.

Nikolay Bukreev, an expert at the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT) — North–West, director of the tour operator Good Time Travel, said that after the opening of borders in 2023, the number of Russians visiting the DPRK increased by about 20%. However, he stressed that there is no need to talk about mass tourism yet, and the destination remains exclusive.

"There are several main points that are worth knowing. The visa is issued only through accredited agencies. Movements are carried out strictly according to approved routes, and photography is carried out only with the permission of the guide," Bukreev explained.

After the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Pyongyang in 2024, visa procedures became a little easier, which had a positive impact on tourism. Now Russian-speaking guides have appeared in the country, and visas for Russians have become available in a shorter period of time. However, despite this, the prices of the components of the travel product increased by 20-25%.

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At the same time, it is more difficult to get to the DPRK than, for example, to South Korea. The only reliable way to get to the republic is through Vladivostok. Ticket prices start from 80 thousand rubles, and reservations are made through special agencies. The cost of tours to the DPRK starts from 150 thousand rubles for the basic program (data from Good Time Travel).

Inna Mukhina, CEO of Vostok Intur, notes that despite the strict restrictions, Russians' interest in North Korea has increased significantly in recent years. According to her, upcoming trips to this country require preparation, as the locals value their customs very much and demand respect for culture and traditions. She also added that tourists should follow special rules, such as strict clothing when visiting sacred sites and monuments.

As Mukhina notes, despite their conservatism, the Korean people are hospitable. When meeting tourists at the airport, the guides wish them to have a better time in the country than at home. Russians, according to the specialist, have no problems with visas now, the main thing is to submit documents about 45 days before the trip. Visa refusals to passport holders with a validity period of more than 3 months have not yet been reported.

A 4-day trip, as the expert said, will cost from 90 thousand rubles per person. At the same time, it is planned to depart from Vladivostok, which you will have to reach on your own. However, budget options are also possible — when traveling by bus and train, the price starts from 45 thousand rubles. There is a direct train from Moscow to Pyongyang, with 148 stops on the route, including in Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, etc. It will take more than a week to travel from the Russian capital. The cost of individual tours, such as wedding tours, can reach 400 thousand rubles.

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On August 11, tourism expert Valentina Lyubaeva spoke about a budget vacation by the sea. In the first half of autumn, she recommended paying attention to vacations in Abkhazia and Nha Trang (Vietnam), in the second half — to the Maldives and Dagestan.

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