Russian media: Russia and China have launched trains to North Korea simultaneously.

Analysts believe these events are more than just the restoration of transportation, but part of a strategic railway diplomacy.

Reported by Russian "TASS" on March 17th.

China and Russia have launched passenger trains to North Korea, which has completely changed the entry logistics into one of the most closed countries in the world and created conditions for the recovery of tourist flows.

According to the website, China resumed the railway passenger service from Beijing to Pyongyang in March 2026, with trains running four times a week.

Additionally, daily services were launched from the border city of Dandong, ensuring stable passenger flow between the two countries.

Currently, tickets are only sold at ticket offices within China, mainly for businessmen and people with relatives in North Korea.

In response, Russia launched one of the longest railway lines in the world, connecting Moscow and Pyongyang.

The train journey exceeds 10,000 kilometers, passing through Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, and Novosibirsk.

This route complements the existing short-distance branch line from Khasan to Tumen River, which previously only served freight and limited passenger services.

According to the editorial department of "Tourism Promotion," it was Russia that became the main driving force behind tourism entering North Korea.

It is estimated that the number of Russian tourists increased from 4,000 in 2024 to 7,000 in 2025.

By comparison, the article points out that North Korea hardly receives Western tourists.

Analysts believe that these events are more than just the restoration of transportation; they are part of a strategic railway diplomacy.

By connecting Pyongyang with Beijing and Moscow, North Korea is building infrastructure to replace Western transport corridors.

Choosing trains as the main means of transport for potential tourists is no coincidence: this allows North Korea to strictly control the activities of tourists, restricting them to specialized resort areas such as Wonsan and Gwacheon, and minimizing their contact with local residents.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1859861217724427/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.