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Chinese travelers granted passport-free access to North Korea
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A government building is seen in the central Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Shutterstock/-)
C
hinese travelers can now enjoy hassle-free trips to North Korea, with a new policy allowing them to spend half-days in the totalitarian country without even carrying a passport.
The recently introduced passport-free visits are reportedly aimed at attracting more foreign currency to the country. According to Xinhua news agency, international political experts believe that North Korea’s banking system has been hurt after a wave of international sanctions, making it harder for the country to access foreign currency.
(Read also: RI to maintain balanced ties with N. Korea)
To visit North Korea, Chinese tourists can travel from the border city of Dandong to the city of Sinuju, and explore a “designated zone” of 30,000 square meters. They are required to undertake special tours, which cost US$52 per trip, with a limited validity. Reportedly, 10,000 Chinese tourists travel to Dandong every day.
Despite being North Korea’s sole ally and an important trade partner, China is not always in agreement with the country. It has supported international bans and disapproves of North Korea’s nuclear program. (kes)
