North Korea has launched comprehensive educational initiatives to prepare for an anticipated influx of foreign tourists ahead of the reopening of the Hoeryong customs house in North Hamgyong province.
According to a Daily NK source in North Hamgyong province recently, Hoeryong city officials have announced they expect “many foreign tourists to come if the customs house opens next month.” The government has issued specific behavioral guidelines, encouraging residents to “energetically wave and smile when they meet foreigners rather than appearing startled.”
City officials emphasized that “being dumbstruck in front of foreigners disgraces the nation” and urged residents to “act with confidence regardless of who they meet, knowing they are Koreans, a singular people in the world.”
These guidelines have been distributed to factories, enterprises, neighborhood watch units, and schools throughout the city. Some teachers have incorporated foreigner interaction training into their lessons. At one Hoeryong elementary school, a teacher had students practice greeting foreigners with smiles, natural waves, and saying “Annyeong Haseyo,” a standard Korean greeting.
However, many Hoeryong residents have responded critically to these initiatives.
“People complain that the state is disrupting the entire neighborhood over opening a single customs house,” the source said. “They’re more interested in whether it will immediately improve their lives than in regime propaganda.”
“Hoeryong receives fewer foreigners than other border cities, so while the government worries about national image when foreign tourists arrive, people simply wonder if they can make more money,” the source added. “For now, people hope increased trade and business opportunities will follow the customs house opening.”
Hoeryong conducts less trade than other border cities such as Onsong, Sinuiju, or Hyesan and lacks special economic zone designation like Rason. Because of this, residents believe the customs house reopening and subsequent tourist arrivals could improve local livelihoods.
Meanwhile, major tourist destinations throughout North Hamgyong province—including the provincial capital Chongjin, Mount Chilbo, and Kyongsong Hot Springs—are undergoing extensive renovations and repairs. Some areas have already begun tourism preparations by replacing information boards at historical sites, improving roads, and renovating souvenir shops.
April 29, 2025 at 08:14AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)