Inside Kim Jong Un’s Armored Diplomatic Train

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to rely on armored train travel for both domestic and international journeys, maintaining a tradition established by his father Kim Jong Il, who also feared flying.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has made nine international trips and crossed into South Korea twice, often choosing a bespoke, bulletproof train capable of withstanding artillery, carrying multiple aides, vehicles, and supplies.

While he can and has flown on aircraft—including trips to China and Singapore—analysts note that the train offers unique security advantages, greater flexibility in emergencies, and a slow, highly visible journey that draws global attention ahead of diplomatic events.

Photos released by North Korea’s state media show Kim traveling with top officials such as Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, standing outside smoking, or delivering speeches from train carriages during domestic visits.

Experts say the train serves both practical and political purposes, reinforcing security, logistical capacity, and strategic messaging, making it a cornerstone of Kim’s diplomatic and domestic operations.