International Train Service Resumes Between Jian and Manpo
An international rail link connecting Jian in China’s Jilin province and Manpo in North Korea’s Chagang province resumed operations in early October for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the North Korea-focused news outlet NK News. Citing social media users, the outlet reported that the service started more than four months behind its originally scheduled restart date. The cross-border train currently runs round trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, crossing the Yalu River between the two border towns.
Shortest International Rail Journey and Border Restrictions
The Jian-Manpo connection is the shortest international train route in the world, with a one-way travel time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Travel bloggers note that the nearby road border crossing remains closed to general tourists, making the rail line the only available passenger transit option departing from Jian. The train consists of just two carriages—one passenger car and one luggage car—and is operated by Chinese crew members. Because foreign tourists cannot enter North Korea through the Manpo border crossing, the passengers riding the train from China are primarily business travelers and officials traveling for work purposes. Conversely, North Korean residents can be seen departing the Jian station whenever a train arrives from Manpo.
Ticketing Procedures and Regional Comparisons
Tickets for the Jian-Manpo train are not sold on the official China Railways booking platform. Instead, passengers must purchase them through a designated international ticket office managed by the Shenyang Railway Group. This ticketing restriction mirrors the process for the Dandong-Sinuiju and Beijing-Pyongyang international trains, which resumed operations in March following a six-year pandemic-related shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Jian-Manpo international train?
The two-car train, which includes one passenger carriage and one baggage car, is operated by Chinese crew members according to social media reports cited by NK News.
How much does a one-way ticket cost?
According to notices from the Shenyang Railway Group’s designated international ticket office, a one-way ticket from Jian to Manpo costs 75 yuan.
What documents are required to buy a ticket?
Travelers must present either a North Korean entry permit or a border resident pass to purchase a ticket at the authorized ticket office.