Rason: North Korea's far northeast trade zone

Why Rason is different

Rason was created in the 1990s to attract foreign trade and investment, and it has its own entry rules separate from the rest of the country. In the past, some visitors could enter without passing through Pyongyang, crossing by road from the Chinese city of Hunchun. The zone feels less staged than the capital: there are Chinese owned shops, a port used by Russian and Chinese companies, and more everyday commerce on show.

Rajin and Sonbong

The two main towns are **Rajin**, the port and administrative centre, and **Sonbong**, a smaller town to the north. Tours usually visit statues of the leaders, a school or kindergarten, a local factory and the **Rajin port** viewed from a hilltop.

The market

The **Rajin Market** has been one of the very few markets in North Korea where tourists could walk among stalls selling food, clothing and household goods, though photography inside is not allowed. In the past, visitors could even change money into North Korean won here to buy small items, which is very unusual in the country.

The coast and islands

The coastline around Rason is rugged and pretty, with lagoons, beaches and small islands. **Pipa Island** and the nearby seal colony appear on some tours, and seafood lunches are a highlight. The **Emperor Hotel**, a large Hong Kong built hotel and casino on the coast, was built mainly for Chinese visitors.

The borders

From a viewpoint near the mouth of the **Tumen River**, you can see where North Korea, China and Russia meet, and the **Friendship Bridge** railway crossing to Russia at Tumangang. Rail freight crosses here regularly.

Tours in 2025 and since

In February 2025, a small number of Western tour groups visited Rason for the first time since 2020. Within a few weeks, tours were stopped again without explanation. This is a good example of how quickly access can change in North Korea, and why you should only book with operators who explain their cancellation policy clearly.

Practical tips

Rason is a long way from Pyongyang, and tours usually enter and leave via China. Check that your Chinese visa allows the exit and re entry you need. Bring cash in Chinese yuan, which is widely used in the zone. For the capital, see Pyongyang, and for the full picture read our destinations overview.

Life in the zone

Rason has a few small hotels, restaurants serving Chinese and Korean food, and a casino aimed at visitors from China. Visitors often notice more cars, more goods in shops and more private trade than elsewhere. Even so, the same rules apply: you stay with your guides, ask before photographing people and follow every instruction.

Getting there

Tours to Rason have usually crossed by road from **Hunchun** in China's Jilin Province, after reaching Yanji by air or high speed train. The crossing is at Quanhe and Wonjong. Allow a full day for the journey, border formalities and the drive to Rajin. Russian groups have arrived by rail from Khasan across the Tumen River. Your operator arranges the border crossing and meets you with local guides on the North Korean side.