CNS News–In a rare occurrence, a group of Russian tourists has ventured into North Korea, marking a significant event likely to be the first of its kind since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour, orchestrated by the Vostok Intur agency, underscores a burgeoning relationship between North Korea and Russia, following a high-profile meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September of the previous year.
This meeting, held at a cosmodrome in Russia’s Far East, has seemingly catalyzed a deeper level of cooperation between the two nations. The journey into North Korea by Russian tourists signals a shift in travel patterns for Russians, who face increasing difficulty in visiting Europe and the United States due to sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov even advocated for North Korea as a potential vacation destination in light of these challenges. Departing from Vladivostok airport in Russia’s Far East, the group embarked on their adventure to the isolated state, filled with anticipation for unique experiences in Pyongyang, the capital, and the country’s modern ski resort, Masik Pass.
Read More News: New Routes from This Major Hub Celebrated by Frontier with $19 Flights—When to Book!
Ready for Japan? 10 Things That Will Blow Your Mind Before You Go!
Travel Advisory: US Alerts Americans to Reconsider Visiting Jamaica Amid an Increase in Crimes!
The diverse group, hailing from various regions of Russia including Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the exclave of Kaliningrad, comprises both skiing enthusiasts and those intrigued by the opportunity to explore a closed-off nation. The tour, priced at $750 per person, represents not just a leisurely vacation but also a symbolic step towards normalizing tourism between Russia and North Korea.
It serves as a test tour delegation, paving the way for potential future visits by Russian tourists, thus bolstering ties between the two nations. While this development may have caught some observers by surprise, given expectations of Chinese tourists being the first to venture into North Korea post-pandemic, it signifies a broader trend of expanding ties between Russia and North Korea amid their respective confrontations with the United States and its allies.
As North Korea gradually eases pandemic-era restrictions and opens its borders, such interactions could become more commonplace, offering opportunities for cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two nations.