North Korea and China resume passenger train service

Passenger train services between North Korea and China are set to resume this week, marking the end of a six-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Korea Unification Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that the resumption restores a critical transport link between the isolated nation and its primary economic ally. According to reports from the state railway in China, the Pyongyang–Beijing train will begin round-trip service on March 12, operating four times a week. Initially, only the last two carriages will carry passengers, primarily diplomats or others on official business. > "Ticket sales to the general public may be possible if seats are available." While the rail link marks a significant step in reopening, North Korea remains closed to most foreign tourism, with limited exceptions largely for tour groups from Russia under restricted arrangements. Before the pandemic, Chinese visitors made up the largest share of foreign tourists to the country. In a related development, tour organisers reported on Monday that North Korea has cancelled next month's Pyongyang Marathon for unspecified reasons. The race is one of the few events that has been open to international participants in the state.