A viral post circulating on X has claimed that North Korea is now offering “LGBT memberships” to foreign tourists — but there’s no evidence to support it.
Posted on Friday, 11 July, the message reads: “Breaking: North Korea welcomes LGBT+ travellers,” alongside an image appearing to show a fabricated headline: “North Korea offers LGBT memberships to foreign travellers.”
Despite gaining over 12 million views and 13,000 likes, the claim is not backed by any official source and appears to have been recycled from a much older Instagram post.
The falsehood has sparked broader discussion around the status of LGBTQ+ rights in North Korea, a country known for its secrecy and totalitarian rule under Kim Jong Un.
What We Know About LGBTQ+ Rights in North Korea
While same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalised, the regime maintains strictly conservative views on sexuality, and LGBTQ+ people are likely to face significant social stigma and discrimination. There are no legal protections or recognitions for same-sex relationships — including marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships.
There have also been unverified and disturbing claims over the years. A 2011 report by The Korea Times alleged that a lesbian couple was executed in North Korea for “corruption of public morals.” The report remains unconfirmed.
More recently, a 2023 report by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification included a testimony from a defector who claimed a man was executed for homosexuality nine years earlier. However, such reports are difficult to verify due to the closed nature of the regime.
“You certainly will not meet openly gay Koreans,” one travel company notes.
Travel Company’s Perspective: Welcoming, But Cautious
Young Pioneer Tours, a China-based travel company that specialises in North Korean tourism, offers a more hopeful view, stating:
“Contrary to popular belief, homosexuality is not against the law in North Korea, and people from the LGBT community are more than welcome to travel here. In fact, openly gay guides have frequently led tours without issue.”
However, they are quick to add a note of cultural sensitivity:
“While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no gay scene to speak of, and you certainly will not meet openly gay Koreans. North Korea is a sexually conservative country, and this applies across the board. Overt displays of affection — regardless of sexual orientation — are frowned upon.”
The company also clarifies that same-sex couples sharing accommodation is generally accepted, although double beds are not typically provided.
