Kim Jong Un's Train Journey: A Symbol of Power and Prestige

On Tuesday, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing, China, after an extensive 20-hour train journey to attend a massive military parade set for September 3rd. This event celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the conclusion of Japanese occupation in China. Notably, this marks Kim's first visit to China since 2019. Alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, this gathering offers an opportunity for the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea to publicly showcase their political and military alliance. Interestingly, while air travel would have been significantly faster, Kim Jong Un opted for his personal train—an integral display of the Kim family's power and propaganda since the family's authoritarian reign began in 1948. According to sources familiar with the situation reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the journey was meticulously slow, with the train never exceeding a speed of 60 kilometers per hour. This train has served as a mode of transport for three generations of Kim leaders: Kim Jong Un, his father Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather Kim Il Sung. None of the three have ever utilized planes belonging to North Korea's national airline, Air Koryo. Notably, in 2018, Kim Jong Un did fly on an Air China plane to Singapore for a historic meeting with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. The train carries significant symbolism, with a replica housed inside the mausoleum dedicated to the previous North Korean leaders. According to Kim Young Soo, the director of the North Korea Research Institute in Seoul, this choice of travel not only enhances Kim's security but also sustains the image of him as a mysterious yet critical figure on the world stage. Before setting off, Kim Jong Un was seen smoking a cigarette beside the train, which boasts impressive security features. It comprises dozens of armored olive-green carriages, complete with a white-painted roof and tinted windows. The vehicle is entirely bulletproof and structurally reinforced to withstand potential bomb attacks. Accompanied by security personnel, the train also contains Kim's personal car and even a helicopter for emergencies. Nevertheless, these extensive security measures result in a slower transit time. Despite the presence of North Korean trains as the primary transport method in the country, their age and inefficiency are well-documented. According to the Washington Post, Kim’s train can reach a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour, whereas regional trains in Italy can easily surpass 100 kilometers per hour. While the train's interior remains a mystery, various reports have painted a picture of extreme luxury. An article published in 2009 by South Korea's Chosun newspaper, based on intelligence sources and accounts from foreign guests, described the train as opulent. Videos from past state visits reveal a lavish environment with pink chairs, a conference room designed for meetings, and a dining car constructed from dark wood. Notably, one carriage is said to be dedicated to karaoke. Additionally, Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky, who traveled with Kim Jong Un's father in 2011, likened the experience on the train to that of the luxurious Orient Express, underlining the extravagant dining options available, which included an array of international cuisines. Notably, during Kim Jong Il's tenure, the train was accompanied by helicopters and military aircraft for safety, and was preceded by another train carrying approximately 100 agents responsible for securing the route and assessing station safety. Incredibly, at least 20 stations have reportedly been custom-built exclusively for the leader's use. There was even a medic carriage onboard for emergencies—an essential feature given that Kim Jong Il suffered a fatal heart attack on the train in 2011. A glimpse into the meticulous preparations for Kim Jong Un's travels was revealed through a video captured during his 2019 visit to Russia. In this footage, North Korean staff could be seen cleaning the train carriages while still in motion, demonstrating the lengths taken to maintain an image of pristine presentation for the dictator. Ultimately, Kim Jong Un’s choice of transportation encapsulates the duality of power in North Korea: a reflection of both security and the cultivation of a larger-than-life persona. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2