Kim Jong-un embarked on a rare journey to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He arrived in Russia aboard a distinctive bulletproof train known for its opulence.
Kim's train, aptly named 'Taeyangho,' which translates to 'sun' in Korean, is a symbol harkening back to North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung. However, what makes this train truly remarkable is its luxurious interior.
While 'Taeyangho' is a marvel in luxury, it's far from the fastest mode of transportation. The train cruises at a leisurely 50 km/h, a stark contrast to high-speed rail systems like London's, which run at 200 km/h, or Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains, reaching speeds of 320 km/h. Kim's journey to Russia took over 20 hours, covering approximately 1,180 km.
Kim Jong-un, accompanied by high-ranking officials from North Korea's ruling party and armed forces, departed Pyongyang on Sunday afternoon, according to North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The train crossed into Russia, reaching the border city of Khasan on Tuesday, en route to the Far Eastern city of Ussuriysk.