Russia and North Korea Open First Road Bridge to Strengthen Ties

The Government of Primorsky Krai Region released a photo on Monday, September 7, 2026, showcasing vehicles traversing a newly inaugurated bridge connecting Russia and North Korea. This bridge is named in honor of Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko, credited with saving Kim Il-sung, North Korea’s founding leader. Located over the Tumannaya River in the Primorsky Krai Region of Russia, this development marks a significant stride in the countries’ relations.

Russia and North Korea on Monday launched their first road bridge across their mutual border, marking an important milestone in their expanding bilateral relations. Spanning 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in length, the bridge features two lanes and can accommodate up to 300 vehicles daily, according to a statement from the Russian government. This bridge connects Rason in North Korea with Khasan in Russia, both being vital border cities for the two nations.

The inauguration ceremony was held simultaneously in both cities, attended virtually by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song. Mishustin expressed confidence that the new transport link would significantly enhance trade, economic, technological, scientific, and cultural cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

A photo issued by the Government of Primorsky Krai Region on the same day showed North Korean trucks crossing the bridge named after Novichenko, further highlighting its strategic importance. Pak Thae Song emphasized the significance of the bridge’s completion as a catalyst for dynamic bilateral cooperation, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the official news outlet of North Korea.

Relations between the two countries have been strengthening, with Korea providing ammunition and troops to aid Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, reciprocated by economic and military support from Russia. Since February 2024, North Korea has welcomed Russian tourists as pandemic restrictions have gradually relaxed. KCNA noted that the bridge will facilitate tourism, human exchange, and the circulation of goods across the two nations.

In 2024, Russia and North Korea agreed to construct this automobile bridge over the Tumen River, which demarcates North Korea’s borders with Russia and China. The construction commenced the previous year, marking the latest infrastructure link joining the countries, which already benefit from a railway bridge and air services.