In North Korea, fear takes hold over new foreign threat: Ebola

The Guardian was among the small number of foreigners allowed to fly in after the ban on tour groups but before the imposition of quarantine on all those entering from abroad. The fear is tangible; a factory and a research centre which journalists were due to visit cancelled the invitations, citing Ebola concerns.

“It’s Ebola hysteria,” said one foreigner in the country. “People are really scared.”…

At Pyongyang’s airport, groups of uniformed soldiers toiled at “Korea speed” – a zealous pace – to complete the gleaming new building that will soon replace the small, dingy terminal. It is evidence of the country’s recent push to attract more international visitors, like the kitschily accomplished aquatic performances at the capital’s dolphinarium, and the sizeable Mirim Riding Club, where tourists can trot around a sawdust-strewn arena with a trainer for $40 (£25). Both are lauded as projects for the people, but promoted to foreigners.

Those plans to expand tourism – earning precious foreign currency – are now on hold indefinitely. The Yanggakdo Hotel, one of the few hotels in Pyongyang where foreigners may stay, was largely deserted, though some Chinese business travellers and a handful of westerners remained. Chinese croupiers in its casino said they had seen few guests.