Are Singaporean ‘tourists’ in North Korea actually eyeing ‘last untapped market’?

It’s illegal, but the potential is huge: trade with North Korea is risky and Lion City authorities are warning travellers and businesspeople alike to stay away or risk violating UN sanctions

Singapore has a history of trading with the hermit kingdom and some speculate the government’s red flag may be a shot across the bows from the US

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Tourists in Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:00pm, 15 Sep 2019Updated: 10:16am, 16 Sep 2019

Singapore travel agencies and globetrotters keen on unusual destinations were left guessing when the city state’s authorities issued a vague warning about travel to North Korea earlier this month.

Although nobody is sure, observers say Singapore may have been reminding its businesspeople to end illegal deals with Pyongyang and stop heading there by pretending to be tourists.

Others believe the United States may have pressured Singapore to ensure international sanctions against North Korea are not flouted.

Singaporeans have been going to Pyongyang for many years, mostly in guided groups with tight itineraries because visitors are only shown what the North Koreans want them to see.

So it was puzzling when Singapore’s foreign affairs ministry issued a statement on September 3 warning Singaporeans planning trips to North Korea that they could be “inadvertently violating” United Nations Security Council sanctions and Singapore’s corresponding laws. It also said the situation in North Korea was unpredictable.

A man rides his electric bike in front of the Juche Tower in Pyongyang. Photo: AP

The ministry added it had come to light that Singapore tour operators were offering and advertising holiday packages to the hermit state.

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