South Korea considers allowing solo travel to North Korea for its citizens

Under new proposals, South Koreans may soon be permitted to travel independently to North Korea, with their government weighing the possibility.

The South Korean Ministry of Unification, responsible for shaping policy towards North Korea, has suggested that restrictions on solo travel to the north could be lifted in the future.

Kim Eun-han, the ministry’s deputy spokesman, mentioned that individual tourism isn’t currently under sanctions, adding, “The government is actively considering allowing South Koreans to visit North Korea independently, as long as their safety can be ensured.”

He further noted, “We’re also considering the possibility of South Koreans obtaining individual visas to visit North Korea, but it’s too soon to share details or the process as there are still several aspects to review.”

However, this doesn’t mean South Koreans should start planning their trips just yet.

The two Koreas were split along the 38th parallel after World War II and fought a war from 1950 to 1953. In 2018, both nations' leaders agreed to fully denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and committed to officially ending the Korean War, which has never formally concluded.

However, in recent months, tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated as North Korea has intensified missile tests and its rhetoric against the United States, which is a key ally of South Korea.

At present, South Koreans have only two options for visiting the North, which is often referred to as 'the hermit kingdom' due to its relative isolation.

One option is to travel directly between the two nations, such as during a tourist visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) or a family reunion at Mount Kumgang, a resort near the border.

South Koreans still need both an official letter from the North and approval from their own government in order to travel this way.

Another option is to travel via a third country, typically China. South Koreans wishing to visit North Korea for civilian exchanges must obtain an official invitation letter from the North, a visa, and approval from the South Korean government.

One of the primary reasons for advocating easier travel between the two Koreas is the urgency of time.

During a briefing on January 15, Kim stated: “We recognize the urgency for separated family members, who are aging by the day, and are exploring all possible ways to assist them.”

So, what does this new development from the South actually mean, if anything?

If South Korean citizens were allowed to obtain visas for North Korea, theoretically, there would be nothing preventing them from traveling independently. However, without the safety net of an organized tour group, South Korean officials remain concerned about guaranteeing the safety of their citizens while in the North.

North Korea currently runs a small but highly restricted tourism industry. Visitors can expect to be constantly monitored by government minders and are only allowed to visit specific, pre-approved locations.