North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in China to attend a military parade, traveling in his special, slow-moving train. While many countries use high-speed bullet trains for public transport, Kim chooses this unique mode for his journeys. Dubbed a moving fortress, it is equipped with bulletproof technology and the latest security features.
For his visit to Beijing, Kim used this slow train, painted a deep green and armored. This train has been a staple for North Korean leaders for decades. Since becoming leader in 2011, Kim has traveled to China, Vietnam, and Russia using this very train.
Why is this train so slow?
According to reports, it takes over 20 hours for the train to travel from North Korea to Beijing. Its slow speed is due to its bulletproof armor, onboard office, large kitchen, and car convoy accommodation. The heavy weight affects its speed.
Faster in China
South Korean transport expert Ahn Byung-min states that the train can reach 80 km/h (50 mph) on China's tracks, compared to 45 km/h (28 mph) in North Korea.
What makes the train special?
For security reasons, Kim requires multiple trains, built with 10 to 15 coaches, some exclusively for the leader's use.
Source: aajtak
This bulletproof train offers ample space for large entourages, security personnel, and essentials. It has a meeting hall for agenda discussions and Kim's personal office.
Inside the train
Ahn describes luxury accommodations for Kim, security personnel, and medical staff. Amenities include Kim's office, communication gear, dining car, and spaces for two armored Mercedes.
Recent media images show Kim beside his green train, decorated with gold insignia. In his wood-paneled office, he is pictured with North Korean flags.
Kim's desk features gold-embellished laptops, telephones, cigarettes, and drinks. The windows are adorned with blue and gold curtains.
Source: aajtak
Train glimpses in 2018
A 2018 video by North Korean TV showed Kim meeting top Chinese officials inside an elaborate train. In 2020, state TV footage showed Kim visiting a storm-affected area, unveiling a glimpse into the flower-lit and zebra-themed interior.
Crossing international borders
In 2023, when attending a summit with President Vladimir Putin, Kim's train required wheel changes at the border due to different rail gauges.
China's station doesn't need such adjustments; local engines pull the train, knowing regional signals and systems, says former South Korean railway engineer Kim Han-tae in his book on North Korean railways.
Trains powered by Chinese engines
Kim's trains going to meetings with Xi were usually pulled by green DF11Z engines, built in China, marked with the China Railway Corporation symbol, featuring three distinct serial numbers.
Source: aajtak
Ahn noted engines labeled 0001 or 0002, indicating reserved engine availability for senior officials by China. Recently, engine 0003 arrived, towing over 20 cars adorned with North Korean national colors and emblems.
China welcomes a six-car train
The train, painted in North Korea's signature deep green with yellow stripes, carried Chinese officials welcoming Kim across the border.
In 2019, when traveling through China for the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Kim's train was drawn by red and yellow engines marked with China's national railway logo.
Kim's grandfather also traveled by train
North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung, Kim's grandfather, regularly traveled by train until 1994. Kim Jong-il, Kim's father, embarked on three rail journeys to Russia, including a 20,000 km journey to Moscow.
