The Pyongyang International Marathon is already drawing attention as travel agencies begin promoting the 2025 event. Koryo Tours, a travel company based in Beijing that specializes in North Korea, has opened early bird registration on its website. The agency is offering a 50 percent discount for those who register by September 1.
Organizers have scheduled the Pyongyang International Marathon for April next year, though they have not yet confirmed the exact date. Despite that, interest is already building among international runners and travel enthusiasts.
In April this year, North Korea hosted the event for the first time since 2019. The marathon had been paused due to COVID-19 restrictions. Its return marked an important moment for both North Korean sports and tourism. Runners from North Korea, China, Morocco, Ethiopia, and other nations participated in the revived event.
Originally launched in 1981, the Pyongyang International Marathon honors the birthday of North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-sung. His birthday, celebrated on April 15, is a major national holiday. The marathon became an annual tradition until the pandemic forced a suspension in 2020.
Now, North Korea appears eager to re-engage with the outside world through tourism. The country is using sports and cultural events to attract foreign visitors. Since tourism is not subject to most international sanctions, it offers a rare source of foreign currency for the North Korean economy.
Despite this push, not all travel options remain open. Access to the Rason special economic zone and the Kamla beach resort area has been temporarily suspended. Authorities have not offered a clear explanation for these closures.
Nonetheless, the renewed focus on the Pyongyang International Marathon reflects a broader strategy. North Korea wants to promote soft engagement and earn foreign income. Agencies like Koryo Tours are helping facilitate this effort by making it easier for international travelers to sign up.
As the April 2025 marathon approaches, runners and tourists alike are showing renewed interest. The Pyongyang International Marathon now serves as both a sporting event and a rare gateway into one of the world’s most closed countries.
