Quick Summary

Kim Jong Un’s journey to China aboard his iconic armored green train is a modern continuation of a three-generation tradition. The slow but secure train ride symbolizes North Korea’s rigid control, strategic diplomacy, and historical legacies. His presence at China’s major military parade underscores the regime’s diplomatic aspirations and geopolitical messaging.

When North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un travels abroad, he does so in a way steeped in tradition, security, and symbolism. On September 1, 2025, Kim departed Pyongyang aboard his distinctive green armored train for a rare diplomatic visit to Beijing. This journey, which took roughly 20 hours, continued a family practice spanning three generations and highlighted the tightly controlled and secretive nature of North Korea’s leadership.

What Is the Armored Train Kim Jong Un Uses to Travel Abroad?

Known domestically as “The Sun” or “Taeyangho,” the train is more than transportation—it’s a mobile fortress. The green armored train lined with yellow stripes features heavily reinforced carriages designed to withstand attacks. It reportedly features luxurious amenities, including conference rooms, bedrooms, dining cars with gourmet offerings such as French wines and lobster, and advanced communication equipment.

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The train accommodates Kim’s large entourage, including security personnel and senior officials. The layout includes a private office for Kim and dedicated cars for armored Mercedes vehicles, emphasizing both comfort and protection during the journey. South Korean experts note that power on surrounding railway lines is often shut down to enhance security when it passes through stations.

This mode of travel ties back to Kim’s grandfather Kim Il Sung and father, Kim Jong Il, who both traveled extensively by train during their international visits, avoiding air travel due to safety concerns. The train has become a symbol of the Kim dynasty’s blend of secrecy, tradition, and power projection.

Why Does Kim Jong Un Prefer Train Travel Over Flying?

Safety is the primary reason. Kim Jong Il reportedly had a fear of flying, a trait Kim Jong Un appears to have inherited. The armored train offers a controlled environment where risks can be minimized. Traveling by train allows the leader ample time to hold discussions with aides, review documents, and prepare for diplomatic talks en route.

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The slow pace, averaging around 60 km/h (37 mph) in North Korea and capped at about 80 km/h (50 mph) on Chinese tracks, contrasts sharply with commercial flights but ensures maximum security. The train’s bulletproof construction and well-orchestrated logistics, including locomotive changes at borders, maintain strict control over the journey.

What Is the Diplomatic Significance of This Visit to China?

Kim Jong Un’s trip marked a historic moment: his first multilateral diplomatic appearance since becoming North Korea’s leader. He attended China’s massive military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event gathered leaders from over 20 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing a nuanced display of political alliances.

The visit, broadcast and promoted by North Korean state media, represented a carefully managed effort to elevate Kim’s international profile amid heightened geopolitical tensions. It reinforced North Korea’s long-standing diplomatic ties with China and Russia and sent subtle signals amid ongoing conflicts and negotiations with the United States and the global community.

How Does This Train Travel Reflect North Korea’s Political Culture?

The train journey exemplifies North Korea’s mix of secrecy, control, and symbolism. It allows Kim and his inner circle to project an image of stability and grandeur while physically isolating the leader from potential threats.

State media often highlight scenes of Kim conversing with officials inside the train, underscoring leadership continuity. At the same time, the private nature of the train ride ensures minimum exposure and maximum control over Kim’s image and security. A life-sized model of a similar train carriage is displayed at a mausoleum near Pyongyang, cementing the train’s emblematic status as a dynastic tool.

Safety Measures and Technical Details of the Train Journey

• The armored train consists of 10-15 carriages, including conference rooms and audience chambers.
• Carriages have satellite phone connections and flat-screen televisions.
• To maintain secrecy, power on other lines is cut off before the train enters stations.
• Chinese locomotives pull the train in China, with serial numbers indicating high-level official status.
• Wheel assemblies may be adjusted at borders where rail gauges differ, such as at the Russia-North Korea border.
• The train travels slower than commercial trains, prioritizing security over speed.