Russia and North Korea have heavily boosted military and economic ties since Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive.
North Korea dispatched thousands of troops to Russia in 2024 to help ward off a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region, while Kyiv has accused Moscow of using North Korean missiles in its nightly barrages.
The two countries signed a defence treaty in 2024 that provides for mutual support if either country is attacked.
One of the world’s most isolated and repressive countries, North Korea bars most of its citizens from leaving and heavily monitors incoming travellers.
Russian tourism to the hermit state has increased in recent years, although Pyongyang sometimes closes its border at short notice.
