BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Tours to North Korea via China are set to resume next week after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to several China-based tour agencies, even though their destination will be limited to the northeastern city of Rason.

Some travel agencies began accepting applications for the tours after staff members visited Rason and discussed details with North Korean officials. Currently, Pyongyang only allows international tourists to visit Rason, which hosts a special economic zone.

One travel agency is organizing tours starting on Monday to visit the North Korean city, while Beijing-based Koryo Tours plans to organize tours from March in which participants will visit sightseeing spots, schools, factories and a bank, according to its website.

Pyongyang shut its borders in early 2020 due to the pandemic but has accepted a small number of Russian tour groups since early 2024. Before the public health crisis, Chinese nationals made up the largest number of foreign tourists visiting North Korea.

Tour agency officials who visited Rason said they were required to wear a mask and have their body temperature checked upon arrival.

Visitors to Rason have been advised not to bring into North Korea communication equipment, food made in South Korea, name cards and recorders and have been told not to talk about politics with their North Korean guides.