South Korea's Unification Ministry stated today that the international train route between Beijing and Pyongyang is set to resume service from 12/3. This marks the first passenger train service between the two nations since its suspension in 2020.

Ticket agents in Beijing and the border city of Dandong confirmed that Chinese citizens working and studying in North Korea can now purchase train tickets to the country. Similarly, North Koreans working, studying, or visiting relatives abroad are also able to buy tickets.

However, this service is not yet available for tourists.

Reuters, citing a source, reported that tickets for the Beijing to Pyongyang train on 12/3 were sold out. The service will operate once a week, with the next departure scheduled for 18/3, for which tickets remain available.

A train crosses the friendship bridge connecting China and North Korea. *Photo: VCG*

Train services between China and North Korea were suspended in 2020 when both nations implemented strict border closures to curb the spread of the virus. China subsequently reopened its borders fully, but North Korea has adopted a more cautious approach.

"It is great to see international train routes reconnected", said Rowan Beard, tour manager at Young Pioneer Tours, a travel company.

According to Beard, Young Pioneer Tours, one of the foreign tour operators specializing in trips to North Korea, can also arrange ticket bookings from 12/3.

"Initially, the train route is not for tourists, but when tourism to North Korea reopens, this will be another travel option alongside air travel", he added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not confirm the information, only stating that maintaining regular passenger train services holds significant importance in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.