North Korean presidential trains

Since the creation of the state, the first two North Korean leaders—Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il—were known to use high-security private trains as their preferred method of domestic and international travel.

Trains have historically been used by many global leaders and royalty, but particularly military leaders, due to their high speed, security and ability to accommodate extensive office and personal facilities within one mobile location.

Kim Il-sung used a train during the Korean War as his headquarters, and continued the preference after the cessation of hostilities. He started the building of numerous secure palaces, many of which are either directly accessed by or close to railway stations, 19 of which it is estimated are only accessed by the private trains.

Kim Jong-il's preference for the railroad transport was due to his fear of flying. Kim used the trains when he visited army units and factories, or traveled abroad. The private trains still serve a network of 19 stations across North Korea (including some underground palaces only accessible by rail).

The trains are heavily armored and usually pulled by two power units. It was reported back in 2009 that Kim Jong-il made use of a fleet of six personal trains, which are made up of 90 armored luxury railcars. Each armoured train has modern communications equipment, such as satellite phones, enabling the leader to obtain briefings and issue orders while traveling.

Security measures were increased after a 2004 explosion in Ryongchon near the border with China. The explosion, which was believed to have been caused by a train laden with oil and chemicals hitting power lines, occurred three hours after one of Kim's trains had passed through the area. This led to rumors that it might have been an assassination attempt.

Now limited to 60 km/h (37 mph), the private trains travel in groups of three:

Once a train journey is confirmed, the area around the journey is cleared 24 hours before the three-train set travels.

In December 2011, it was reported by North Korean television that Kim Jong-il died while on a train, during a domestic trip.

Trains also have been used for travel abroad, with direct connection to China, and onward connection to Russia with a gauge-change.

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Wikipedia