China-North Korea Rail Link Restored After Four-Year Hiatus
China has announced the resumption of passenger rail service to North Korea, ending a suspension that began in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first train on the Beijing-Pyongyang route is scheduled to depart on Thursday, March 12. This restoration of a key transport link signals a warming of ties between the two neighboring nations, with trains set to run four times per week.
Train K27 is expected to arrive in Pyongyang on Friday, March 13, at 6:07 PM local time. The journey will last 24 hours and 41 minutes, including a stop in the Chinese border city of Dandong. Tickets for the inaugural March 12 service were reportedly available only to passengers with business visas and have already sold out. However, seats remain available for the subsequent departure on March 18.
A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry emphasized that 'China and North Korea are friendly neighbors' and that 'Beijing supports enhanced interaction between the two governments to create more convenient conditions for the movement of their citizens.'
The daily service between Dandong and Pyongyang is a notable development, given that North Korea remains largely closed to foreign tourism, with rare exceptions for small tour groups from countries like Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that 'Beijing will continue to strengthen strategic communication and deepen cooperation with North Korea.' The rail link is a critical artery for trade and diplomatic contact, as North Korea's borders have been among the world's most restricted.
Weekly Train Schedule
- Monday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
The revival of this cross-border connection underscores the importance of bilateral relations and a mutual desire to boost economic and cultural cooperation. It marks a cautious step toward post-pandemic normalization and highlights the strategic value of this corridor for both countries. The move may indicate Pyongyang's willingness to gradually reopen vital economic channels while strengthening political alliances during a period of global uncertainty.