Tourism to North Korea is a contentious issue, often caught in the larger debate about DPRK engagement or isolation. On the one hand, proponents argue that traveling to the country can offer some parts of the North Korean population a glimpse of the outside world and an opportunity to question state propaganda.

On the other, some see tourism to North Korea as a simple exchange of foreign currency to the North Korean regime, which can subsequently use it as they see fit. Factoring in North Korea's recent arrests of several U.S. citizens has also added further concerns about tourist safety.