First Train to Pyongyang in Six Years Departs Beijing
Beijing Station saw increased activity on Thursday as the first passenger train service to Pyongyang, North Korea, in six years departed, signaling a potential thaw in relations and increased cross-border activity between the two nations. The train, K27, is set to arrive in Pyongyang at 6:07 p.m. Local time on Friday, completing a 24-hour and 41-minute journey according to China’s railway authority.
Restoration of Cross-Border Links
The resumption of the rail service, suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, comes as China seeks to strengthen infrastructure and ties with North Korea. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry stated that the service facilitates people-to-people exchanges, emphasizing the “friendly neighbor” relationship between the two countries as reported by Reuters. This move builds upon recent diplomatic engagements, including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s attendance at a military parade in Beijing last year alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Passenger Restrictions and Service Details
Currently, tickets for the K27 train are restricted to holders of business visas. The initial trip on Thursday was sold out, though tickets for the March 18th journey were still available as noted by a Beijing travel agency. The service will operate four days a week in both directions: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Limited Tourism to North Korea
North Korea remains largely closed to foreign tourism, with limited exceptions primarily for Russian tour groups operating under restricted arrangements according to travel agencies. The re-establishment of the Beijing-Pyongyang train service represents a notable, albeit limited, opening for travel between the two countries.
Maiden Voyage Details
The K27 train was observed at Beijing Station with two carriages distinguished by their blue and white exterior. The train’s passengers included government officials, journalists, and Chinese rail enthusiasts as reported by Adek Berry / AFP via Getty Images. Reuters likewise reported on the departure.
The Beijing–Pyongyang international passenger train will operate regularly, facilitating travel between the two capitals according to Bloomberg.