North Korea is planning to reopen its borders to international tourists in December, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon, according to travel agencies that reported this news on Wednesday.

This indicates that the secretive nation is preparing to allow larger groups of foreign visitors after maintaining strict COVID-19 travel restrictions for years.

Koryo Tours, based in Beijing, confirmed on their website, “We received word from our local contacts that tourism will officially return in December 2024 for Samjiyon and likely for the entire country.”

Last year, international flights to and from North Korea resumed, and a limited group of Russian tourists visited for a private tour in February. Moreover, several prominent foreign dignitaries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have traveled to North Korea as well.

However, North Korea has not fully reopened to international tourism since 2020.

Koryo Tours expressed their enthusiasm by stating, “After waiting over four years to make this announcement, we are thrilled to see North Korean tourism reopening.” They also added that their local partner will provide confirmations regarding itineraries and dates in the upcoming weeks.

It’s important to note that the U.S. State Department has issued a level four “do not travel” advisory for American citizens considering a trip to North Korea, citing a “serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.”

In Samjiyon, located near the Chinese border, North Korea has been constructing what it refers to as a “socialist utopia,” featuring new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.

In July, leader Kim Jong Un reprimanded several senior officials for their “irresponsible” management of the Samjiyon project, which is one of his flagship initiatives.

Another travel agency, KTG Tours, has also confirmed that tourists will be able to visit Samjiyon starting this winter.