Marathon Resumes After Six-Year Absence: North Korea Welcomes International Runners Back
North Korea resumes its 6-year-long marathon competition.
Get ready for a race! After a six-year break, the Pyongyang International Marathon is back on the map! Runners from China, Romania, Morocco, Ethiopia, and even beyond have made the journey to North Korea's capital to participate—a subtle hint of the country potentially opening up.
The first across the finish line was a North Korean, but the exact time remains a secret. Interestingly, the competition was open to tourists once again, just like before the COVID-19 pandemic. Instagram photos from British tour operator Simon Cockerell, CEO of Koryo Tours, show enthusiastic participants. According to Reuters, about 200 people visited North Korea for the run. Participants who weren't professional had to complete the marathon within 4.5 hours.
Some observers view this event as a tentative step towards loosening the country's strict seal. It's the first opportunity since the pandemic for Western tourists to explore North Korea once more, though currently, only Chinese and Russian tourists are allowed in.
The Pyongyang Marathon first started in 1981 and takes runners through the heart of the North Korean capital. The course begins and ends at the May First Stadium, one of the largest sports facilities in the world.
Fun facts: The tourism industry in North Korea isn't wide open yet. Despite the marathon event, the country continues to restrict entry for foreign tourists, allowing only limited access to select groups and diplomats. Areas such as Samjiyon are planned for tourism, but with stringent conditions, primarily in special economic zones like Rason. The ongoing discussion revolves around striking a balance between economic gains and potential political and social risks.
[Sources: ntv.de, ses/dpa]
- North Korea Conflict
- North Korea
- China
- Russia
- The employment policy for foreign tourist guides in North Korea may need to be revised due to an increased demand, given the resumption of the Pyongyang International Marathon that attracts runners from various countries like China, Romania, Morocco, Ethiopia, and others.
- Despite the return of the Pyongyang International Marathon and the increase in Korean interactions due to international runners, the community policy in North Korea remains strict, allowing only limited access to foreign tourists and specific groups.
- In light of the Pyongyang International Marathon's resumption in 2023, post-pandemic, and the potential influx of tourists, it is crucial for employment policies to adapt and ensure adequate safety measures for all participants, particularly those from foreign nations, like the Koreans, who are planning their return visits.
