North Korea Opens Doors to the World, But Malaysians Still Locked Out—Is the Diplomatic Freeze Here to Stay?
Source: Says.com
In a surprising turn of events, North Korea is getting ready to reopen its doors to international tourists this December. However, there’s a catch—Malaysians are still on the banned list.
After nearly five years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is now allowing limited group tours to visit the city of Samjiyon, near the famous Mount Paektu. Tour companies like KTG Tours and Koryo Tours have already started announcing upcoming trips, with details to be finalized soon.
Samjiyon is no ordinary destination. This city, sitting on the Chinese border, is said to be the birthplace of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and is home to Mount Paektu, a site deeply revered by both North and South Koreans.
But while other foreign tourists can start planning their trips, Malaysians are not so lucky. Back in 2017, Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry imposed a strict ban on all Malaysians entering North Korea, citing rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and concerns over missile tests.
This ban came shortly after the high-profile assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The situation worsened in 2021 when North Korea cut off diplomatic ties with Malaysia after a North Korean businessman, Mun Chol-myong, was extradited to the US on money laundering charges.
So, while the rest of the world may soon get a glimpse of North Korea’s hidden gems, Malaysians will have to sit this one out.
