In 2023, Pyongyang scrapped a 2018 military accord designed to curb the risk of inadvertent clashes between two countries that remain technically at war, prompting the South to take a similar step.

Nonetheless, there have been recent signs that North Korea may be prepared to reopen to some foreign visitors for the first time in more than five years since the closure of its borders to tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beijing-based Koryo Tours on Thursday said tours to North Korea were “officially back,” with some of its staff allowed to enter the Rason area in what it hoped would mark the relaunch of tourism.