Quantitative Analysis of Tourism Climate Comfort in the DPRK Using Tourism Climate Index (TCI): A Validation With In Situ Observations

Climate significantly influences tourism demand, influencing destination choices, seasonal patterns, and visitor satisfaction. While extensively studied in Northeast Asia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) lacks an in situ validated assessment of tourism climate comfort. This study addresses this gap by conducting the quantitative analysis of tourism climate comfort across the DPRK using the tourism climate index (TCI), integrating high‐resolution ERA5 reanalysis data (1981–2020) and in situ observations from 13 core meteorological stations (1981–2020). Monthly TCI scores were calculated to analyze spatiotemporal patterns, with validation showing ERA5 data exhibited high consistency with in situ records (root mean square error (RMSE) <5% for temperature, <8% for precipitation). Results reveal a pronounced bimodal annual TCI distribution: optimal ‘Very Good’ conditions (TCI 70.0–80.0) occur in June (TCI 76.6 ± 1.4) and September (TCI 75.7 ± 1.3), interrupted by the humid summer monsoon (July–August TCI 65.0–65.8). A statistically significant positive trend of 0.026 units/year ( p < 0.05) indicates long‐term improvement in tourism climate conditions, driven by warming winters. Spatially, a strong north–south gradient dominates winter (northern highlands TCI: 45.0–50.0; southern coast TCI: 55.0–60.0), while the eastern seaboard maintains a “coastal advantage” in transitional seasons (spring/autumn TCI: 72.0–78.0 vs. inland TCI: 68.0–73.0). The 40‐year annual mean TCI across the DPRK was 61.5 ± 1.2 (SD), indicating a generally good climate for tourism. This study provides an evidence‐based basis for DPRK tourism planning, highlighting opportunities to leverage seasonal (June/September) and spatial (eastern coast) climate assets.