North Korea lures foreign tourists with huge discounts for next year's marathon event

Participants run in the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon held in Pyongyang on April 6 2025 in this photo released by North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency two days later — Runners participate in the annual Pyongyang International Marathon in the North Korean capital on April 6, 2025, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency two days later.

SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - North Korea appears to be eager to earn hard currency, as it has already started offering deals for its annual marathon event for next spring.

According to ads on Tuesday by Koryo Tours, a Beijing-based agency specializing in travel to the isolated country, early-bird discounts of 50 percent are available until Sept. 1 for those who sign up for the Pyongyang International Marathon, which is scheduled for April next year.

Without detailed itineraries and other arrangements for the event, the tour agency said plans are subject to change without notice according to the North's tourism policy. Fees for next year's event have yet to be decided either, with this year's ranging from US$70 to $150 depending on the length of courses.

Since the new progressive administration took office here last month, there is speculation that South Korea could send participants to next year's event as part of efforts to ease tensions with the North.

First held in 1981 to commemorate the birthday of regime founder Kim Il-sung, the marathon resumed this year for the first time since 2019, after a years-long hiatus due to coronavirus pandemic, drawing participants from 46 countries.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com