Passenger train operations between China and North Korea are set to resume on Thursday, ending a suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel operators confirmed the restart based on information from official ticket offices in Beijing and Dandong. Initially, the service will be available only to Chinese citizens working or studying in North Korea, as well as those traveling for employment, education, or family visits. Tourist ticket sales will remain closed for now.

Rowan Beard, tour manager at Europe-based Young Pioneer Tours, told AFP that the resumption of international train service is a positive development. Although the initial phase excludes tourists, he noted that the route could serve as an alternative to air travel once tourism to North Korea reopens.

The two countries had completely sealed their borders in 2020 due to the pandemic. Last year, North Korea and Russia resumed direct flights and train services, allowing limited cross-border movement between them.