North Korea's set to reopen for international tourists by the end of the year.

Two tour companies with connections to the isolated country have made separate online announcements - saying tour groups would be allowed to visit the city of Samjiyon.

It's been almost five years since the country shut its borders due to the pandemic.

Former Sunday reporter Mark Crysell has been to North Korea, and says he recommends visiting.

"Every other country in the world is pretty much the same now because of globalisation - North Korea is like going to the moon. And when you go inside, it's like being sealed in a tupperware container."

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