Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is known for his unique mode of transportation when traveling abroad. Unlike other world leaders who opt for planes, Kim chooses to travel in an armored train, following the footsteps of his father and grandfather. As he embarks on his first known trip outside North Korea in over four years, we delve into the reasons behind his preference for train travel.
The train itself is a remarkable sight, easily recognizable by its dark green color with yellow trimmings. Estimates suggest that Kim’s train consists of around 21 cars, a significant reduction from the 90 cars that his father’s train reportedly had. Accompanying his main train are two additional trains, one to inspect the tracks ahead and another to carry his security entourage.
Inside the train, there are bedrooms and conference rooms used for official state business. While few images of the interior have been released, a video from 2018 showcased Kim meeting with top Chinese officials in a spacious train car adorned with pink couches. The train’s exterior is equipped with bulletproof siding, ensuring the leader’s safety during his travels.
The train’s speed is considerably slower compared to modern trains, moving at an estimated pace of around 28 miles per hour on North Korean tracks. However, it can increase its speed when operating on China’s rail network.
The tradition of train travel within the Kim family began with Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, who received a train carriage as a gift from Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un’s father, shared his predecessor’s fear of flying and preferred train travel. In fact, his former bodyguard revealed that Kim Jong Il was afraid of being shot down if he traveled by plane. Kim Jong Il passed away in 2011, with North Korean state media reporting that he was on a train at the time of his death.
Continuing the family tradition, Kim Jong Un embarked on a 4,500-kilometer journey through China in an armored train to reach Vietnam for his second meeting with then-President Donald Trump in 2019. The arduous trip took approximately two-and-a-half days.
Now, Kim is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in a similar fashion. Reports indicate that he left Pyongyang by train and is expected to arrive in Vladivostok, Russia, for an official visit. While details about the summit remain scarce, it is speculated that Kim may seek food aid and advanced military technology, while Russia could be interested in purchasing weapons for its conflict in Ukraine.
It is worth noting that Kim’s preference for train travel does not align with the practices of most world leaders. However, it serves as a symbol of the Kim family’s legacy and their cautious approach to international travel. As Kim Jong Un embarks on this significant journey, the world watches closely, intrigued by the enigmatic leader’s choice of transportation.