Passenger train services between China and North Korea are set to resume this week after a six-year suspension imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The international train, known as the K27 service, will depart from Beijing and travel through the Chinese border city of Dandong before crossing into North Korea and arriving in Pyongyang after a journey of more than 24 hours.
Rail authorities say the route will operate four times a week, restoring an important cross-border transport link between the two countries that was halted in 2020 due to strict pandemic border closures. The service is expected to facilitate travel for diplomats, business travellers and citizens working or studying in either country.
China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a crucial economic lifeline for the isolated state. Analysts say the reopening of the rail link could help revive economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges after years of limited contact during the pandemic.
However, tourism to North Korea remains highly restricted, with most foreign visitors still barred despite gradual reopening steps taken since 2024.