Kim Jong Un Travels to Beijing by Armored Train

Kim Jong Un left Pyongyang today and departed for Beijing by train, reports Reuters. North Korean leaders have used this specific type of specialized transport for decades. It is not clear which exact train Kim Jong Un used, but according to experts, he has used armored trains in the past.

They provide a safe and comfortable space for a large entourage, guards, food, and comfortable leisure, as well as a place to discuss the agenda before meetings. Since coming to power at the end of 2011, Kim Jong Un has visited China, Vietnam, and Russia by train.

It is not clear how many trains North Korean leaders have used over the years, but South Korean expert on North Korean transport, Ahn Byung-min, has stated that several trains have been necessary for security reasons.

Ahn said that these trains have 10-15 cars, some of which are used exclusively by the leader, for example, the bedroom, while others are for transporting guards and medical personnel.

North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Un's grandfather, regularly traveled abroad by train during his rule until his death in 1994. Kim Jong Il visited Russia three times, exclusively using trains, including in 2001, when he traveled 20,000 km to reach Moscow.

He died of a heart attack at the end of 2011 while on one of the trains, and that carriage is on display in Kim Il Sung's mausoleum.