It has become known that the DPRK authorities have decided to temporarily lift the ban on entry of foreign tourists at the beginning of 2015. The decision of the North Korean leadership is motivated by the Pyongyang Marathon, which is planned to be held on April 12, 2015.
Let us recall that in October of this year Pyongyang closes borders to foreign tourists due to the threat of the deadly Ebola fever, which has claimed thousands of lives in East African countries (mostly), entering the country.
Meanwhile, the DPRK realizes the importance of international status for the Pyongyang Marathon, which will be held with an international composition for only the second time in history.
Representatives of the North Korean tour operator Koryo Tours confirmed the presence of an official notification from the DPRK Ministry of Sports regarding the admission of foreigners to participate in the marathon, as well as the possibility of attending it as spectators.
The founder of Koryo Tours, Nick Bonner, noted in an interview with the press that negotiations with representatives of the DPRK authorities on the possibility of lifting the ban on entry of foreigners into the country during the marathon were quite lengthy, and he was pleased with their successful completion.
According to Bonner, North Korea's national carrier, Air Koryo, plans to launch an additional Shanghai-Pyongyang flight on April 9, 2015. Bonner recommends that travelers purchase tickets in advance, as seats will be strictly limited.
