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Virus-Related Tourism Ban Could Hurt North Korea's Economy

William Gallo

   SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korea has temporarily banned foreign
   tourists in response to the outbreak of a dangerous new virus in
   neighboring China. Depending on how long the ban lasts, it could hurt
   North Korea's economy, which though heavily sanctioned, has received a
   boost by a recent influx of Chinese tourists.

   Starting Wednesday, North Korea closed its borders to foreign tourists,
   according to Young Pioneer Tours, a China-based company that leads
   trips to North Korea. On its website, the company says it is not clear
   how long the suspension will last, but that authorities say they intend
   to reopen the border as soon as they institute precautionary measures.

   The pneumonialike respiratory illness, which can be transmitted among
   humans, originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. It has
   infected more than 500 people, 17 of whom have died. Cases have been
   reported in countries including South Korea, Japan, the United States,
   and Thailand.

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