In the Masik Pass region of North Korea, tourists were able to go skiing for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in February. The area offers several slopes, a luxury hotel, a rental office, and restaurants, making it a typical ski destination. However, the area is too expensive for most people and has been banned for most of the world, with only wealthy Russians permitted to visit.
This year, more than 200 Russian tourists have visited North Korea on three trips in February and March to go skiing under the supervision of secret agents. North Korea is Russia’s largest supplier of weapons, while Russia provides food, raw materials, and weapons production parts to North Korea bypassing international sanctions. As a gesture of gratitude to his ally Putin, Kim Jong-un has opened the country’s borders to Russians, screening visitors thoroughly and requiring them to have enough money to support the local economy.
Kim Jong-un recently visited the winter sports center in Masik Pass and compared it to the luxurious Courchevel. Despite the high cost of tours which include flights, accommodations meals and ski passes, ski resort has substandard amenities. The chairlifts are second-hand from Austria and equipment is outdated. Both North Korea and Russia have plans for further development with North Korea constructing a new major ski resort that aims to attract Russian tourists including hotels guest houses shops etc., while Russia also plans to develop its own ski resorts in Siberia which will cater Russian tourists.
Although the ski slopes in Masik Pass are still in decent condition but accommodations are lacking due to these challenges both countries are optimistic about future of ski resorts tourism between Russia &North Korea . Additionally reports indicate that North Korea is planning on building new ski resort with extensive facilities aimed at appealing Russian tourists .
