Bongdae Park, located in Chongjin, is one of the notable recreational areas in North Korea. Due to the country’s secluded nature and strict governance, the history of tourism in North Korea has been considerably different from that in other countries.
Tourism in North Korea has been tightly controlled by the government, with the first instances dating back to the late 20th century. Initially, only a few thousand visitors, typically from communist or non-aligned countries, were allowed into North Korea each year.
Over the years, the North Korean government has moderately increased tourism under their terms, showcasing areas they find representative of their ideology and culture. Western tourists have been allowed since the late 1980s, but the numbers have always been limited.
In the case of Bongdae Park, while it may not be as famous as other landmarks such as the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun or Mount Kumgang, it serves as a local recreation area for the citizens of Chongjin and the few tourists allowed into the area.
In recent years, before global travel restrictions came into place, North Korea was attempting to widen its doors to tourism, with the development of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area and ski resorts such as Masikryong. Outsiders, however, remained restricted to guided tours, with little freedom to explore independently.
Due to the global situation and North Korea's response to it, tourism has been essentially halted. When tours do operate in such restricted environments, they tend to focus on carefully curated experiences, which often do not include lesser-known spots like Bongdae Park.
For those who do manage to enter North Korea and visit Chongjin, Bongdae Park offers a glimpse into the more routine aspects of North Korean life. It stands as a local green space where visitors might observe picnics, recreational activities, and familial gatherings if given the chance to visit.
Even though North Korea has made moves to attract more tourists, the country's travel industry remains enigmatic. Should the situation change and borders to tourism reopen, we may see an increase in organized tours featuring an expanded list of approved destinations. Until then, Bongdae Park, like much of the country's potential tourist spots, remains a mystery to the outside world.
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