Kim Jong-un’s Mysterious Train Adventures: A Look Inside the Moving Fortress
In a world where high-speed jets crisscross the skies, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a man of tradition. He recently made headlines by arriving in Russia on his enigmatic dark green train for a summit with President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok. This journey, which marked Kim’s first overseas visit in over four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has brought attention not only to his diplomatic efforts but also to the secretive and secure mode of travel he prefers.
The Train with 90 Carriages and Tinted Windows.
Kim Jong-un’s train is not your average locomotive. With a staggering 90 carriages, it’s a moving fortress that ensures his safety and comfort during international travel. One of the most striking features of this train is its tinted windows, shrouding those on board in mystery.
According to a BBC report, Kim endured a 20-hour journey covering 1,180 kilometers (733 miles) on this train, which chugs along at a leisurely pace of about 50 km/h (31 mph). This snail’s pace might seem surprising in an age of high-speed transportation, but it’s a long-standing tradition followed by North Korean leaders.
Inside the train, luxury meets security. It’s well-stocked with delicacies like fresh lobster and cases of French Bordeaux and Burgundy red wines. The train boasts conference rooms, audience chambers, bedrooms, satellite phones, and flat-screen televisions for briefings. It’s a moving office, home, and fortress all in one.
The “Moving Fortress” – A Closer Look at Security
Nicknamed the “moving fortress,” Kim’s train prioritizes security above all else. It features bulletproof windows, reinforced walls, and floors to protect against explosives. According to Seoul’s unification ministry, it even has attack weapons and a helicopter on standby for emergency escapes. This heavy armor and equipment result in a snail-like speed of around 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour.
Despite its slow pace, the train offers significant advantages over an aircraft. It provides flexibility in responding to unforeseen circumstances, including potential attacks. The ministry notes that if an aircraft carrying Kim were to come under attack, the chances of survival would be significantly lower.
A Tradition of Train Travel
The tradition of long-distance train travel in the Kim dynasty dates back to Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who embarked on train trips to Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Kim Jong-un’s father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, was famous for his fear of flying and once embarked on a marathon 20,000-kilometer (12,400-mile) round trip from Pyongyang to Moscow by train in 2001, a journey that lasted about 24 days.
These luxurious trains are heavily guarded by security agents who meticulously scan routes and stations ahead for potential threats. Kim Jong-un continues this family tradition, believing that his armored train provides both security and luxury that a flight cannot match.
According to NPR, Kim traveled approximately 4,500 kilometers through China on his train to reach Vietnam for a historic meeting with President Donald Trump. The journey took a leisurely two-and-a-half days. Remarkably, the Kims reportedly have several nearly identical special trains produced at a factory in Pyongyang.
In a world where speed often defines our travels, Kim Jong-un’s commitment to tradition and security is a fascinating glimpse into the secretive world of North Korean leadership. As the world watches diplomatic developments unfold, one thing is certain: Kim’s mysterious dark green train will continue to be a symbol of both his power and his unique approach to international diplomacy.
