Russia and North Korea Open First Road Bridge
Tuesday, September 15, 2026178 words3 minutes655 reads
Russia and North Korea opened a new road bridge over the Tumen River on 7 September. The one-kilometre, two-lane bridge links Russia's Khasan area with North Korea's Rason area. Russian officials say it can handle up to 300 vehicles a day. The opening gives the neighbours a direct road link for the first time.
The Russian government says cargo traffic will begin immediately, while passenger traffic may start by the end of the year. The bridge is expected to support trade, tourism and other exchanges. Until now, the countries had air and rail links, but vehicles usually crossed by placing wooden planks over part of the older rail bridge under a special arrangement.
The opening also has a security dimension. Relations have grown closer since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. North Korea has supplied ammunition and troops to support Russia, according to Western and South Korean assessments. Truth Hounds, a Ukrainian organisation, warns that the new route could carry military personnel and equipment. That is an attributed concern, not proof that every crossing will serve a military purpose.
