DPRK visa rules relaxed for Beijingers

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is being tipped to become Beijing tourists' next hotspot after a loosening of visa rules for Chinese citizens to the neighboring country.

Dong Chang-ri, the representative official with the national travel service of DPRK in Beijing, said yesterday the new move has drawn inquiries from local travel agencies on possibilities of extended travel routes and schedules.

"Several agents have phoned about new trips," said Dong. "With travel visas, Chinese tourists can go on trips to the DPRK on both private tours and package tours."