North Korea has barred Western influencers and content creators from participating in an upcoming international trade fair tour, a move that underscores Pyongyang’s growing wariness toward foreign media exposure. According to China-based tour operator Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), the restriction was issued at the “specific request from the North Korean side.”
The trade tour, scheduled from October 24 to November 1, will center around the Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair, the country’s largest business exhibition. Priced at €3,995 ($4,704), the itinerary includes visits to major sites in Pyongyang and a rare trip to Mount Myohyang, a sacred site home to a museum showcasing extravagant gifts to North Korea’s past leaders.
Despite North Korea’s strict isolation, the country has cautiously reopened its doors to select groups in recent months. In April, it hosted hundreds of foreign athletes during the Pyongyang International Marathon, the first such event in six years. However, access remains tightly controlled, with journalists and now travel influencers being kept at arm’s length.
YPT co-founder Rowan Beard confirmed the new guidelines, saying there may be “stricter scrutiny or limitations on influencers and YouTubers” as the country reopens. In recent months, several high-profile influencers have released polished videos from inside North Korea, drawing global attention and, possibly, official unease.
Tour participants will gain access to over 450 booths featuring products in sectors like machinery, IT, pharmaceuticals, and household goods. Additionally, the Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce will offer a VIP presentation, providing insight into the North Korean economy a rare opportunity given the country’s opaque economic practices.
Historically, China has been North Korea’s main ally and source of tourists. Yet, even with post-pandemic border reopenings, tourism numbers remain low. Some analysts suggest Beijing’s displeasure over Pyongyang’s open support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may be a contributing factor.
As North Korea attempts to attract business interest while managing its global image, the exclusion of Western influencers signals a cautious and highly curated reopening to the outside world.
