China and North Korea to reopen passenger train service after pandemic halt

5 articles

3 sources

0% diversity

Updated 11.3.2026

Key Topics & People

North Korea *Pyongyang Koryo Tours Dandong Pyongyang Marathon

Coverage Framing

Political Strategy(2)

Diplomatic(2)

Human Interest(1)

Avg Factuality:84%

Avg Sensationalism:Low

Story Timeline

Mar 11 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

passenger train servicechinanorth koreapandemic halttourism

Political Strategy(1)

BBC News - WorldMar 11

China and North Korea to reopen passenger train service after pandemic halt

Passenger train service between China and North Korea will resume on Thursday after a six-year suspension due to the pandemic. China Railway announced that trains will run four times a week between Beijing and Pyongyang and daily between Dandong, China, and Pyongyang. The service aims to strengthen ties between the two nations, facilitating exchanges for those with valid visas, including workers, students, and those visiting family. While North Korea is slowly reopening, international travelers are permitted on the Beijing-Pyongyang route, though tickets are not yet available for general tourists or businessmen. The initial tickets for the first train departing on Thursday have already sold out to entrepreneurs, government officials and reporters.

MeasuredFactual6 sources

Positive

Key Claims

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Passenger trains between China and North Korea will resume service on Thursday after a six-year halt.

— China's rail operator

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Trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will operate four times a week.

— China Railway

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The train services are 'a moving link that strengthens the friendship between China and North Korea.'

— China Railway

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Tickets for the first train departing on Thursday have sold out.

— Reuters, citing an official ticketing office in Beijing

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Maintaining regular passenger train services between the two countries 'is of great significance' for facilitating exchanges between people.

— Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Mar 10 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

china-north korea relationsrail servicespassenger traineconomic and trade cooperationcultural exchange

Diplomatic(1)

South China Morning PostMar 10

China-North Korea rail services restored as neighbours try to get relations back on track

China is resuming passenger train services to North Korea after a six-year suspension, signaling warmer relations between the two nations. Starting Thursday, trains will run between Beijing and Pyongyang four times a week, and a daily service will operate between Dandong, China, and Pyongyang. The Beijing-Pyongyang train will allocate two carriages for foreign tourists. The China Railway Group (CREC) stated the restored rail service aims to boost travel, economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange, and strengthen friendship between the two countries. The move comes as North Korea faces increasing tensions with South Korea and uncertainty with the United States.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Positive

Key Claims

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China will resume passenger train services to North Korea for the first time in six years.

— Article

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Passenger trains between Beijing and Pyongyang will run four times a week.

— China Railway Group (CREC)

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The train will depart from Beijing at around 5.30pm and arrive in Pyongyang at around 6pm the next day.

— China Railway Group (CREC)

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A train service between Dandong and Pyongyang will run daily in both directions.

— China Railway Group (CREC)

quote

The move was intended to “further promote travel, economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchange ...

— China Railway Group (CREC)

Mar 10 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

china-north korea relationstrain service resumptionborder closurescovid-19 pandemictourism

Diplomatic(1)

The Guardian - World NewsMar 10

China-North Korea trains to resume after six-year halt following Covid outbreak

Passenger train services between China and North Korea are set to resume this week after a six-year suspension due to Covid-19 restrictions. The first service will depart on Thursday, allowing Chinese and North Korean citizens working or studying in the other country to purchase tickets. Travel agents in Beijing and Dandong confirmed the resumption, though tourist travel is not yet permitted. While China has reopened its borders, North Korea has been more cautious, though it resumed flights and train services with Russia last year. The resumption is significant as China is North Korea's largest economic partner. However, North Korea recently cancelled an international marathon, indicating continued caution regarding opening up.

MeasuredFactual6 sources

Neutral

Key Claims

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Train journeys between the two countries were halted in 2020 due to strict border closures imposed to prevent the virus spreading.

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Tourists are not yet eligible to buy tickets.

— travel agents

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Passenger train services between China and North Korea are to resume this week after a six-year suspension.

— travel operators

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Chinese people working and studying in North Korea are now able to buy train tickets.

— travel agents

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The Pyongyang-Beijing international train service is set to resume operations on March 12.

— South Korea’s unification ministry

Mar 9 Evening

2 articles|2 sources

cancellationnorth koreakoryo tourspyongyang marathonpyongyang international marathon

Human Interest(1)

BBC News - WorldMar 9

N Korea cancels Pyongyang Marathon for 'some reasons'

North Korea has cancelled the Pyongyang Marathon, scheduled for April 5, 2026, due to unspecified reasons. Koryo Tours, the British-owned tour agency and official partner of the marathon, announced the cancellation after receiving notice from North Korea's athletics association. The annual event, established in 1981 to celebrate Kim Il Sung's birth, was open to both amateur and professional athletes, offering various race distances. The marathon had only resumed last year after a five-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Koryo Tours stated that deposits would be returned and runners could retain them for future events. The agency is seeking clarification on the cancellation's circumstances, noting the decision was made at a high level.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Neutral

Political Strategy(1)

South China Morning PostMar 9

North Korea cancels Pyongyang marathon weeks before race, with no reason given

North Korea has cancelled the 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon, scheduled to take place in Pyongyang, weeks before the event. Koryo Tours, an international partner that specializes in tours to North Korea, announced the cancellation after receiving official notice from the DPR Korea Athletics Association. The notice stated the marathon was cancelled "due to some reasons," without providing specific details. The cancellation raises questions about North Korea's approach to reopening its borders to foreign visitors. The Pyongyang International Marathon attracts both elite marathoners and amateur runners from around the world.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Neutral

Key Claims

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North Korea has cancelled the Pyongyang marathon for unspecified reasons.

— Koryo Tours

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The marathon was being cancelled "due to some reasons".

— North Korea's athletics association

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The annual event was established in 1981 to celebrate the birth of Kim Il Sung.

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The event had only returned last year after it was suspended for five consecutive years due to the Covid pandemic.

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Packages start from €2,190 ($2,529; £1,894) for 2.5 nights in Pyongyang, including a marathon place and "highlights" of the capital.