A UK-based travel agency, Lupine Travel, is hoping to revive the international amateur golf tournament in North Korea in 2026, after a decade-long hiatus. The "North Korean Amateur Open" is tentatively scheduled to be held in Pyongyang in 2026.

The event, sponsored by Lupine Travel, is planned to be a two-day affair, including one day for practice and one day of stroke play. Trophies will be awarded for the best gross and net scores, as well as for the longest drive and closest to the pin. According to the event website, amateur golfers of all nationalities are welcome to participate, with the exception of South Korean and US citizens.

The amateur golf competition was held for six consecutive years from 2011 to 2016. It was then suspended due to renovations at the golf course and later due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led North Korea to shut down its borders.

North Korea appears to be increasingly interested in attracting overseas tourists. This is seen as a way to gain much-needed foreign currency amid international sanctions.

The revival of the golf tournament highlights a potential shift in specialized tourism trends, with modern travelers actively seeking "frontier" journeys. Such events could transform the landscape of luxury adventure travel in the coming years, blending historical curiosity with traditional hobbies. This proposed golf contest could serve as a vital test for future diplomatic and economic openness in the region.

In August 2023, North Korea signaled its interest in developing "friendly ties" by inviting foreign golfers to participate in amateur tournaments in Pyongyang. The country has established a "golf department" at a sports university and formed the Ryomyong Golf Travel Company to organize golf tours, working with Chinese partners.

It remains to be seen whether arrangements for the envisioned 2026 competition have been finalized with Pyongyang. Those interested in the provisional 2026 tournament can contact Lupine Travel.