A recent Chinese promotional poster for North Korea’s Masikryong Ski Resort obtained by Daily NK describes expanding markets targeting Chinese tourists who enter the country.
The poster promotes the “Masikryong Resort Extreme Ski” package from December to February, departing from Shenyang every Thursday, stopping in Pyongyang and then taking ground transport to the ski facilities.
A three night package is 4,580 RMB for adults and 3,580 RMB for children. The four night option costs 5,580 RMB for adults and 4,180 for children.
Boasting “world-class slopes, luxurious gondola lifts and five-star accommodation, the package also includes transport fees, visa costs, and travel insurance up to 300,000 RMB.
Citing high costs and safety concerns, Masikryong has proven less popular for Chinese tourists in the past, but tour operators are hoping that warming bilateral ties will turn things around.
“I’d actually like to go but the price is way too high for me. Plus a lot of people are concerned about the safety and soundness of the facilities,” a resident in China told Daily NK.
Nevertheless, interest continues to rise, he added. “The snow quality at Masikryong is supposed to be much better than at the ski resorts in China. Of course the facilities and services at ski resorts in South Korea and Japan are terrific but North Korea is still a cheaper and closer option for Chinese skiers.”
