The first tourist trip to Mount Kumgang in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is scheduled for April 14, and only four agents in Northeast China's Jilin province are authorized to operate the tourism program, according to the Jilin tourism bureau.

Mount Kumgang [File photo]

"This is the first time Mount Kumgang will be open to Chinese tourists, and the tour is conducive to deepening non-governmental exchanges between China and the DPRK and further expanding tourism and trade contacts between Jilin and the border areas in DPRK," said Tian Yunpeng, a senior officer from Jilin tourism bureau, on Tuesday.

Mount Kumgang is in the eastern part of the DPRK in the Taebaek Mountains and not far from the Military Demarcation Line.

Tian said that in 2010, DPRK and Chinese authorities reached an agreement on opening Mount Kumgang as a tourist destination for Chinese. Based on the agreement, businesses in both countries began making arrangements.

"Actually, tourist businesses from both countries were responsible for planning the tourist route and working out details. Our tourism administrative authority didn't participate at all," Tian said.

Chinese tourists should contact one of the four designated travel agencies in Jilin, which will then assist them in organizing the travel, said Liu Yubo, general manager of Kanghui International Travel Agency, one of the four designated Jilin agencies.

"They will start the trip in Yanji city, pass through Huichun city in Jinlin Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture to reach the Luoxian special economic zone in the DPRK, where they will take cruises to Mount Kumgang," he said.

The first group of tourists in Jilin will go there as early as April 14, according to Liu.

"In addition to the development of tourism attractions, the supporting facilities of the Mount Kumgang tourism are also maturing," he said. "On April 15, a duty-free shop will open for business."

Liu said that in recent years, the number of tourists heading for the DPRK has steadily increased.

The visitors will spend four days on Mount Kumgang, where the tourist season is from April to October, he said.

"Chinese tourists only need provide a passport. They do not need to deal with visas," said an officer, named Li from Jilin Huichun city tourism sector.

"The big difference between Mount Kumgang and other scenic spots is that tourists are not allowed to take mobile phones and professional camera equipment," Liu said.