Flights have already begun operating to Beijing in China and Vladivostok in Russia ahead of the borders reopening, but it is unclear who has actually travelled onboard.
North Korea has become the latest country to reopen its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic – but only to its own citizens.
Pyongyang announced its own citizens will be allowed to fly back into the country, with those returning having to quarantine for seven days for “proper medical observation”, according to a statement on state television.
While details are scant, experts believe North Koreans abroad include students and workers, and were mostly based in allied countries such as China or Russia.
North Korea slammed its borders shut after the pandemic started, banning tourism, flying out key diplomats and halting border traffic and trade, with analysts believing the move harmed its food security and economy.
South Korea’s spy agency said it believes the North will slowly begin to fully reopen its borders in an effort to revive its economy.