Kim Jong Un took his armoured train, the Taeyangho or “Sun Train,” to China, continuing the Kim dynasty’s tradition of secure rail travel. The train provides luxury, safety, and space for state business, unlike North Korea’s unreliable airline.
North Korea’s elite train boasts private suites, armoured cars, and gourmet dining, with interiors featuring plush sofas, intricate ceilings, and fully equipped medical and communication facilities.
Border Travel: In China, a local locomotive takes over; in Russia, wheel changes are required. The train reaches 80 km/h in China, 45 km/h in North Korea.
Why Trains Over Jets: Safer, harder to intercept, and doubles as a mobile command center for meetings and transport.
North Korea’s recent visits with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin underscore its growing strategic partnership with both China and Russia. The Taeyangho symbolizes security, luxury, and the regime’s power, making slow travel a statement of strength and tradition.