South Korean tourist gazing at North Korean landscape, blended with historical images.

Longing for the Past: How Nostalgia and Curiosity Shape Travel to North Korea

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the surprising factors driving tourism to North Korea, from historical nostalgia to the thrill of the unknown, and what this means for the future of inter-Korean relations."

For many, North Korea remains shrouded in mystery, a place often depicted as dangerous and isolated. Yet, this very image fuels a unique form of curiosity, drawing tourists seeking experiences far removed from the ordinary. While political tensions and restrictions complicate travel, a deeper look reveals the psychological factors at play, particularly among South Koreans who share a complex history with the North.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Tourism Sciences sheds light on these underlying motivations, exploring how historical nostalgia and the desire for novelty influence South Koreans' attitudes toward visiting North Korea. By understanding these drivers, tourism experts and policymakers can better navigate the delicate landscape of inter-Korean relations and develop strategies that resonate with potential travelers.

This article unpacks the key findings of this research, revealing how a longing for a shared past and a thirst for unique experiences are shaping perceptions and driving interest in North Korean tourism. We'll explore the nuances of historical nostalgia, the allure of the unknown, and the implications for future tourism initiatives.

The Pull of the Past: Understanding Historical Nostalgia

South Korean tourist gazing at North Korean landscape, blended with historical images.

Nostalgia, in its simplest form, is a sentimental longing for the past. However, historical nostalgia takes on a unique dimension, referring to a yearning for a time before one's own experiences, shaped by historical narratives, media portrayals, and collective memories. For South Koreans, this historical nostalgia is intertwined with the division of the Korean peninsula, a shared history, and a sense of cultural connection.

The study highlights that young generations of South Koreans, who have no direct experience of North Korea, develop a sense of historical nostalgia through history classes, media exposure, and personal imagination. This creates a "fantasy-oriented view of the past," distinct from personal nostalgia rooted in lived experiences.

Shared Heritage: A longing for a time when Korea was united, fostering a sense of cultural identity and shared roots.
Media Influence: Films, documentaries, and news reports shape perceptions and spark curiosity about life in North Korea.
Educational Narratives: History lessons and cultural studies contribute to a collective understanding of the Korean past.

This longing for a shared past, combined with limited direct knowledge, fuels a unique form of curiosity. The study reveals that historical nostalgia positively affects novelty seeking. In other words, the more South Koreans feel a connection to the historical narrative of a unified Korea, the more they are drawn to the idea of experiencing the unfamiliar and unique aspects of North Korea.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Future of Tourism

As inter-Korean relations evolve, understanding the motivations driving tourism interest is crucial. This study suggests that marketing efforts should tap into both historical nostalgia and the desire for novelty. Highlighting shared cultural themes, while also showcasing the unique and unfamiliar aspects of North Korea, could resonate deeply with potential South Korean travelers. Ultimately, tourism has a part to play in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and paving the way for reconciliation on the Korean peninsula.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is historical nostalgia, and why is it important for understanding tourism to North Korea?

Historical nostalgia is a longing for a past that one has not personally experienced. For South Koreans, it's tied to the division of the Korean peninsula and a shared cultural history. It is significant because it shapes perceptions and sparks curiosity about North Korea, especially among younger generations who haven't lived through the division. This nostalgia, fueled by media, education, and collective memories, creates a 'fantasy-oriented view of the past,' driving the desire to experience the unfamiliar aspects of North Korea. The implication is that this longing can be a strong motivator for South Koreans wanting to visit North Korea.

What is novelty-seeking, and how does it relate to South Koreans' interest in visiting North Korea?

Novelty-seeking is the desire to experience new, unique, and unfamiliar things. It is important because it significantly influences South Koreans' interest in visiting North Korea, a destination perceived as mysterious and isolated. The study reveals that historical nostalgia positively affects novelty-seeking, meaning the stronger the connection to a unified Korean past, the greater the desire to explore the unique aspects of North Korea. This connection shapes perceptions of North Korea and is also a key factor in encouraging tourism.

What factors contribute to South Koreans' historical nostalgia regarding North Korea?

Several factors influence South Koreans' historical nostalgia related to North Korea. These include a shared heritage—a longing for a time when Korea was united, fostering a sense of cultural identity and shared roots. Also, media influence through films, documentaries, and news reports shapes perceptions and sparks curiosity about life in North Korea. Finally, educational narratives like history lessons and cultural studies contribute to a collective understanding of the Korean past. These factors, in turn, fuel a unique form of curiosity that can drive tourism.

How can tourism influence inter-Korean relations?

Tourism can play a crucial role in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and paving the way for reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. By understanding the motivations driving tourism interest, marketing efforts can tap into both historical nostalgia and the desire for novelty. Highlighting shared cultural themes, while also showcasing the unique and unfamiliar aspects of North Korea, could resonate deeply with potential South Korean travelers. This approach will help to encourage interactions that promote peace and understanding.

What are the implications of historical nostalgia and novelty-seeking for the future of tourism between South and North Korea?

The implications of historical nostalgia and novelty-seeking for future tourism initiatives are significant. Understanding these motivations allows for the development of targeted marketing strategies that appeal to South Koreans' longing for a shared past and their desire for unique experiences. Highlighting shared cultural themes while showcasing North Korea's unique aspects can resonate deeply with potential travelers. By understanding these factors, tourism experts and policymakers can better navigate the delicate landscape of inter-Korean relations.