When we talk about preferred modes of transportation, world leaders have their own unique choices. While Joe Biden has Air Force One at his disposal, Rishi Sunak opts for a fleet of RAF jets and helicopters.
For North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, however, it’s all about luxury and security. He chooses an armored train as his chariot when he embarks on one of his rare journeys outside North Korea. Let’s peek inside this extraordinary locomotive and explore what makes it his transport of choice.
The Slow-Moving Luxury Train
Kim Jong-un’s recent travel involved a dark green train crossing the Russian border, paving the way for discussions with Vladimir Putin on munition supplies for the Ukraine conflict.
This excursion holds immense significance for Kim, being his initial trip beyond North Korea since the pandemic imposed border closures on the country. The approximately 20-hour journey from Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, to the intended meeting place allows Kim to relish the opulence of lavishly adorned carriages as the train takes a leisurely route through North Korea.
A Luxury Fit for a Leader
Unlike his father, Kim Jong-il, who was known for his fear of flying and exclusively traveled by rail, Kim Jong-un has flown to international summits. However, this armored train seems to be his preferred choice.
With its exquisite bedrooms, a sophisticated meeting room adorned with wall-mounted lighting, and reddish-pink leather armchairs, it’s not hard to see why.
This train took Kim on a 4,500 km journey through China for his second summit with Donald Trump in Hanoi in 2019. That particular journey lasted an impressive two-and-a-half days. While the train’s interior remains a well-guarded secret, few have glimpsed its opulence.
A Culinary Journey
Konstantin Pulikovsky, a Russian official, gave the world a peek into the train’s dining experience in his book, “Orient Express.” Kim Jong-il’s train passengers could choose from diverse dishes, including Korean and Japanese cuisine.
The wine list boasted fine selections like Bordeaux and Burgundy. Entertainment was provided by young female singers amusingly referred to as “lady conductors.”
Armored Fortresses on Wheels
One of the primary reasons for Kim’s preference for this train is the security it offers. Plates of armor are discreetly installed beneath the carriages, turning them into formidable fortresses. Kim Jong-un and his entourage can move safely within these armored chambers.
North Korea reportedly possesses 90 special carriages, and when a leader travels, they operate three trains in tandem. One train handles security checks at the front, the second carries the leader and their immediate entourage, and a third is reserved for bodyguards and other personnel.
Approximately 100 security agents are deployed at stations along the route to sweep for potential threats.
The Slower Pace of Diplomacy
The train’s sheer size and the additional weight from its armored reinforcements restrict its speed to a leisurely 60 kilometers per hour. This allows Kim ample time to contemplate what he wants in return for the North Korean artillery shells and antitank missiles that have piqued the Kremlin’s interest.
