Masik Pass ski resort welcomed tourists back in February, marking the first time since the start of the corona pandemic. The area boasts several slopes, a luxury hotel, rental offices, and restaurants, making it a complete ski destination. One of the key advantages of skiing in Masik Pass is the lack of crowds on the slopes, providing a more exclusive experience. However, due to its high prices and strict restrictions to only a select few wealthy Russians chosen by the regime, it is considered too expensive for North Koreans.
Despite these limitations, over 200 Russian tourists have visited North Korea this year for skiing trips in February and March. These tours are closely monitored by secret agents due to the complex relationship between North Korea and Russia, particularly regarding weapon supply agreements. North Korea supplies weapons to Russia in exchange for food, raw materials, and weapon production parts, circumventing international sanctions.
In response to Russian President Putin’s support during his visit to Pyongyang in 2018, Kim Jong-un has opened North Korea’s borders to Russian tourists with strict screening processes and financial requirements. Russian tourists can participate in group tours to Masik Pass that include flights from Vladivostok to Pyongyang followed by mandatory visits to squares and statues upon arrival. Although the accommodation and equipment at Masik Pass are considered substandard compared to other resorts worldwide, both countries have ambitious plans for future developments. North Korea plans on building a new major ski resort that will cater specifically to Russian tourists with multiple hotels guesthouses shops catered towards them.
In conclusion, while Masik Pass may not be accessible to everyone due to its high costs and limited accessibility rules; it’s an intriguing glimpse into how complex relationships between nations can influence tourism industries like skiing vacations. The exclusive nature of these trips combined with strict regulations points towards an intriguing but challenging ski tourism industry in North Korea