North Korea has begun to aggressively promote new tour packages to try and draw tourists from Taiwan, The Philippines and parts of Southeast Asia.
According to the Taiwanese media, the head of North Korea’s state tourism organization Cho Sung Kyu was in Taiwan unofficially over four days earlier this month. At the time, he allegedly suggested that direct flights operate from Taiwan to Pyongyang during ‘Arirang,’ the mass games that take place in Pyongyang’s May Day Stadium every summer.
The report claims that both Air Koryo and China Airlines, Taiwan’s flag carrier, have enthusiastically endorsed the plan for direct flights, while some travel agencies in Taiwan are reviewing the tour packages, which are said to include charter flights up to Mt. Baekdu and other standard additions to North Korea tour itineraries.
North Korea has also recently been in contact with travel agencies based in The Philippines and elsewhere to discuss starting tours of North Korea early next year.
Even the North Korean media has been in on the act, reporting on official efforts to attract foreign tourists with activities like cycling and golf.
However, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry has cautioned against the tours, warning citizens that visits to the North, which does not have a diplomatic relationship with Taipei, represent a significant danger.
