How Kim Jon Un Travels (Secret Train)

Whenever the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un needs to travel, he prefers using his secret train.

This train is no ordinary train—it’s like a moving fortress, or even a traveling five-star hotel. Although he rarely travels, whenever he does, he makes sure nothing is lacking in terms of luxury and security.

Officially, this train has a different name, but around the world it is known as the “moving fortress.” Many people even compare its facilities and security system to Air Force One—the aircraft used by the U.S. President.

So what makes Kim Jong Un’s train so special? Let’s explore its features one by one.

Since becoming the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un has visited only a few countries—mostly China and Russia. In the past 13 years, he has made only about 10 international trips, and most of them were done using this moving fortress.

This train is escorted by two additional trains. One runs ahead of it to detect any potential threats, such as explosives on the tracks or suspicious activity nearby. Even though the tracks are heavily secured and no one is allowed near them, commandos in the lead train monitor every detail.

The second train follows behind and is filled with ammunition and armed commandos. Their mission is simple: protect their supreme leader at all costs.

In addition to this, fighter jets accompany the train while it is داخل North Korean territory. If needed, cargo planes loaded with weapons and commandos are kept ready at nearby airports for immediate deployment.

The train itself is heavily fortified. All its windows are made of bulletproof glass, and both the roof and the base are reinforced with steel to withstand explosions.

Different compartments of the train are equipped with advanced weapons, including anti-aircraft missile systems to defend against aerial threats. On both sides of the train, anti-tank missiles and machine guns are installed to counter any ground attack.

Even if all of this fails, Kim Jong Un still has an escape option—a small helicopter is carried inside one of the train’s cars. In an emergency, he can be evacuated immediately.

Because of all these security features, the train is extremely heavy. That’s why its maximum speed is only about 60 km/h, and often even slower, especially since North Korea’s railway tracks are not in great condition.

Whenever the train passes through a station, all the lights are turned off in advance. Power is even cut from adjacent tracks to ensure no other train passes nearby. Across North Korea, around 20 special railway stations have been built exclusively for this train.

Due to its slow speed, journeys can take days. For example, in September 2023, when Kim traveled to meet Vladimir Putin, the trip took around 10 days.

At the border between North Korea and Russia, the train’s wheels are changed because Russian railway tracks are wider.

Inside, the train offers all the facilities you would expect in a presidential residence and office. Kim has a personal office equipped with a fax machine and satellite communication. There are reception rooms, meeting rooms, and luxury suites, all designed with wooden interiors.

One of the most notable features is the onboard restaurant. A wide variety of cuisines—French, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese—can be prepared instantly on his command.

To ensure he never gets bored, the train also includes entertainers—singers and dancers—who perform for him during the journey.

When the train reaches a destination, Kim’s personal armored vehicles travel with him. These vehicles are unloaded and used to transport him securely wherever he needs to go.

You might wonder—why does Kim Jong Un prefer traveling by train?

The answer lies in family tradition. His father Kim Jong Il and grandfather Kim Il Sung also preferred trains for official travel.

In Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, where their preserved bodies are kept, models of their trains are also displayed, along with maps of their journeys.

It is said that Kim Jong Il had a fear of flying, which is why he relied on trains. In 2001, he even traveled to Moscow by train—a journey of around 20,000 km that took nearly a month.

For a long time, very little was known about this secret train. However, a Russian official, Konstantin Pulikovsky, who once traveled with Kim Jong Il, later wrote a book describing its luxury—mentioning live lobsters and fine French wine served onboard.

In 2004, after Kim Jong Il’s train passed through a station near the China border, a massive explosion occurred due to a cargo train accident. Although it was reportedly caused by a short circuit, the Kim family suspected it might have been an assassination attempt. Since then, security around the train has been significantly increased.

Even photography of the train has been restricted, especially in Russia. When the train passes through remote areas like Siberia, electricity in nearby villages is sometimes cut off as an added security measure.

Kim faces threats not only from countries like the United States but also from within North Korea itself. Strict laws and harsh punishments have created fear among the population, making internal threats a serious concern.

Because of this, Kim is sometimes seen with a lookalike at public events, making it difficult for potential attackers to identify him.

Some experts believe that traveling by train also serves as a political message—that he appears more “simple” compared to the U.S. President traveling in Air Force One. However, in reality, Kim lives a very luxurious lifestyle.

Satellite images from 2020 show multiple private mansions with dedicated railway stations where this train is parked. These locations include luxury resorts with villas, private beaches, shooting ranges, basketball courts, and covered garages.

Another reason for his extreme security concerns is political uncertainty. North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family for decades, but Kim Jong Un is believed to have no clear male successor.

This makes his position more vulnerable, as powerful elites or military leaders could potentially take control after him. Although his sister may attempt to hold power, there is no guarantee she would succeed.