North Korea has introduced strict new rules barring Western influencers in North Korea from attending the upcoming Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair. Travel agency Young Pioneer Tours (YPT), known for organizing trips to the isolated country, confirmed that the October tour would exclude journalists, YouTubers, and travel content creators.
This unexpected move has surprised many, especially given the recent influx of foreigners for sporting and cultural events. However, the country’s leadership appears to be tightening control on how it is portrayed internationally.
Why North Korea Banned Western Influencers
According to YPT co-founder Rowan Beard, the exclusion of Western influencers in North Korea is “a specific request from the North Korean side.” The move hints at increased sensitivity to foreign content creation and a likely crackdown on independent documentation or narrative control.
Beard also warned that when North Korea fully reopens its borders, the government may impose even stricter regulations on influencers and creators. The regime seems particularly wary of modern social media narratives.
Exclusive Trade Fair Tour Highlights
Despite these restrictions, the tour remains one of the most exclusive experiences for foreign tourists in North Korea. Priced at 3,995 euros ($4,704), the YPT trip will depart from Beijing on October 24 and run until November 1, offering rare access to the Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair.
The trade fair is North Korea’s largest international business exhibition. Attendees can visit over 450 trade booths showcasing machinery, IT, energy, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and more. This kind of economic access is rare, especially for foreigners.
VIP Business Insight from North Korea’s Chamber
One key highlight of the tour will be a VIP presentation by the Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce. This private session promises detailed insights into the North Korean economy, an opportunity not available to most travelers. However, the absence of Western influencers in North Korea on this trip means the world may never see footage or commentary from inside this elite access event.
Unique Sights: Mount Myohyang Visit Included
The itinerary includes iconic tourist spots in Pyongyang and a historic visit to Mount Myohyang—the first time in five years that Western tourists will be allowed there. Mount Myohyang is famous for its stunning landscapes and its International Friendship Exhibition, which houses extravagant gifts from global leaders to North Korea’s former rulers.
This inclusion elevates the tour to a once-in-a-decade level of access, further highlighting how significant the decision to exclude Western influencers in North Korea really is.
China’s Role and Ongoing Diplomatic Dynamics
North Korea’s biggest ally, China, remains central to this story. Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists made up the majority of foreign visitors. However, current numbers remain low. Analysts believe China is frustrated by North Korea’s open support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which could be indirectly affecting tourism and diplomatic exchanges. As North Korea slowly reopens post-COVID, it is clear the country is keen to control the narrative, with a deliberate move to silence influencers, YouTubers, and independent voices. The exclusion of Western influencers in North Korea is not just a tourism decision—it’s a signal of how tightly Pyongyang wants to manage its image in the digital age.
North Korean Troops to Russia: 30,000 May Join War in Ukraine, Reports Warn of Escalation