Russia and North Korea have resumed direct passenger train service between Moscow and Pyongyang after a four-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The train which is Operated by Korean State Railway, runs twice monthly, covering over 10,000 km in eight days, making it the world’s longest direct rail journey.
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The route involves a North Korean railcar attached to the Moscow-Vladivostok train, reattached at Ussuriysk to a train to Khasan, then crossing into North Korea at Tumangang for the final leg to Pyongyang.
A separate service between Pyongyang and Khabarovsk restarts on June 19, running once monthly. The trains offer comfortable sleeper compartments, with stops at major stations like Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Novosibirsk.
This resumption aligns with strengthened Russia-North Korea ties, including a 2024 strategic partnership treaty and military cooperation, with North Korea reportedly sending troops and weapons to support Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
A Vladivostok-Rason service also operates, and over 1,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea in 2024, reflecting growing tourism interest.
However, the route is primarily for Russian and North Korean citizens, with limited access for foreigners, who must coordinate with specialized tour agencies like Koryo Tours due to North Korea’s strict travel regulations.