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Rason Free Economic Zone
WHY SHOULD YOU GO TO RASON | MAIN ATTRACTIONS | TOURS | TOUR EXTENSIONS | AROUND
The Rason Special Economic Zone, known earlier as the Rajin-Sonbong Economic Special Zone, was established in the 1990s to promote economic growth in the region through foreign investment. It covers the territory of Rajin and Sonbong cities (RAjin + SONbong = RASON), and is located near the border with both China (Jilin province) and Russia (Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai). It serves as a warm-water port for both countries. Before 1991, Rason was used by the Soviet Union as an alternative warm-water port.
Rason is a national policy testing ground for the DPRK where it conducts economic field experiments such as a free market for local companies and farms (it is the only market in the DPRK that foreigners can legally visit). Another example is a casino opened by the Macau-based Emperor Group near the sea, which caters to Chinese visitors. Yet another innovation is foreign real estate ownership. In Rason, there is the Rason Golden Triangle Bank which has put up a 7-story building in Rajin to facilitate international transactions. Please note: In Rason, the Chinese RMB is the preferred currency, followed by USD; the Euro is not accepted.
Why should you go to Rason?
Rason is one of the least visited parts of North Korea, although many Chinese and Russians come to the clean beaches of Rason to spend holidays relaxing at the beautiful seaside and enjoying beach barbecues on the East Coast of the Sea of Japan. Until recently, foreign visitors were not allowed to travel between Rason and other parts of the DPRK, including Pyongyang.
To go to Rason, you don't need a DPRK visa; instead, a Rason entry permit is required. There is a very convenient way to obtain a Rason entry permit—we will send it to your email, and you can just print it out at home.
Only in Rason can you visit a huge 'capitalist-style' market where people can freely sell and buy goods and bargain. Try your luck in a North Korean market!
Recently, it has become possible to visit the Chilbo Mountains from Rason. Since the Chilbo district is not part of the Rason Free Economic Zone, you will need to apply for a DPRK visa to visit the Chilbo Mountains.
The main attractions of Rason are:
- a tri-border area where borders of the three countries (North Korea, Russia and China) meet each other in a single point in Tuman river
- Rason market - the only market in the DPRK which foreign visitors can visit
- Rajin Port where you will see how Russia, China and the DPRK collaborate together in one port operating different piers. Russians have recently renowated the railroad going from the port to Tumangang city (North Korea) and then further via the Friendship bridge to Khasan in Russia
- Sahyang mountain - very beautiful mountain in Rajin's vicinity, from the summit you can see bird's view of both Rajin and Sonbong
- Seafood Processing/Textile/Show Factories - you can visit the largest companies in Rason area
- Pipha Island is known for its stunning scenery, fishing, boating, and sea seals
EXCLUSIVE OPTION: Korea Konsult can offer you a unique opportunity to enter Rason from China by bus and then leave for Russia by train via the only available land connection between North Korea and Russia—the Friendship Railroad Bridge over the Tuman River. Korea Konsult is the only company that can offer you such an exceptional journey!
Tours to Rason:
Korea Konsult can offer group and individual tours to Rason. Send us a message if you are interested in traveling to Rason: postmaster@koreakonsult.com
Possible extensions of your stay in Rason:
Destination |
Description |
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From Rason to Khasan (Russia) |
The highlight of this trip is the border crossing by train from Rason, North Korea to Khasan, Russia via the Friendship Bridge, the only land connection between the two countries, with passenger trains running only four times a month. From the bridge, you will clearly see the unique tri-borders area where Chinese, Russian, and North Korean borders meet at a single point. You will board the train in Tumangang city (the border city in DPRK) and then travel to Khasan city (the border city in Russia). From there, you can either:
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From Rason to Chilbo Mountains (DPRK) via |
You can visit Chilbo Mountain also known as the '7 treasures.' It takes its name from an old Korean legend that the mountain was believed to contain seven treasures. Chilbo and its unspoiled landscape present fantastic views: deep valleys, waterfalls, and magnificent sea views. Mt. Chilbo is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites On the way to Chilbo, stop by Rason - the city of iron, the third biggest city in the DPRK and the heart of North Hamgyong Province. To reach this city from Pyongyang, one should take a charter flight, which is available a couple of times a year. You will be surprised by how different this city is from Pyongyang, and you will have a chance to experience urban life in the industrial heart of the DPRK. Leave the country via the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge over the Namyang/Tumen border. Please note: Since the Chilbo district is not part of the Rason Free Economic Zone, you will need to apply for a DPRK visa to visit the Chilbo Mountains. |
From Rason to Pyongyang (DPRK) |
We are happy to inform you that you can take a regular Air Koryo (national air carrier) flight on Tuesday and Friday between Pyongyang and Rason (a 4-hour drive from Orang airport to Rason) |
Around Rason
- Mt.Chilbo - is a mountain in North Hamgyong province, one of the five celebrated mountains of Korea. It is a 6-hour drive to the south
- Chongjin - the DPRK's third largest city, Chongjin, is the second-largest industrial city, featuring an array of factories, mills, towering chimneys, and spindly black cranes. Chongjin has been nicknamed 'The City of Iron' for its six-million-tonne-capacity Kim Chaek No 1 Iron and Steel Complex.