The 39-kilometer border between North Korea and Russia, running along the Tumen River, is one of the world’s most secretive frontiers. Established in 1985, it connects Russia’s Far East with North Korea’s isolated regime. You can cross at one point: the Friendship Bridge, a rail-only link between Khasan and Tumangang, used for freight and rare passenger trains. A unique detail: planks between tracks allow limited vehicle crossings by special arrangement.
Winter ice (December-March) can slow access; summer is easier but strictly controlled. Only Russian and North Korean citizens typically use this crossing, and visas are tightly regulated, so coordinate with embassies far in advance. Checks are intense due to North Korea’s policies.
Visit Vladivostok’s Russian culture or, if permitted, North Korea’s Rason markets. Expect delays during holidays or political events. Carry rubles, as no other currency is accepted. Monitor news, as closures, like those during COVID-19, are common. Independent travel is nearly impossible, so work through official channels.