The British are Developing Golf in North Korea 0 11

A British travel agency intends to hold an international golf tournament in North Korea this year.

In recent years, the DPRK has been trying to attract foreign tourists to earn much-needed hard currency amid sanctions imposed due to its nuclear program. To this end, the country is developing expensive resort projects on the coast and in mountainous areas.

"The next North Korean Amateur Open is expected to take place in 2026," the tournament's website states, sponsored by the UK-based company Lupine Travel.

The competition will last two days: one day will be dedicated to practice, and another to play in stroke play format, where the goal is to complete the round in the fewest strokes.

The tournament is open to amateur golfers of all nationalities. The exception is citizens of South Korea and the USA, who are prohibited from entering the country.

The competition will take place at the golf complex in Pyongyang. This is the only golf course in the country and, according to the organizers, the most "exclusive" in the world.

The complex is located about 27 kilometers from the capital of the DPRK. It was built in the early 1980s, and the official opening took place in 1987. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the state's founder.

In 2023, the official tourist website of Pyongyang, DPR Korea Tour, reported that the course covers an area of 196 hectares and includes 18 holes. More than 200 people can play there simultaneously.

The amateur tournament North Korean Amateur Open was held annually from 2011 to 2016.

However, its holding was then suspended. The main reason was the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused North Korea to close its borders.