Beijing (China) - Pyongyang (North Korea) Trains: K27/ K28

The K27/K28 international train is the only direct train connecting the capitals of China (Beijing) and North Korea (Pyongyang). First opened in 1954, it resumed cross-border passenger service on March 12, 2026. The journey takes approximately 24 hours, making it a classic route for slow-travel enthusiasts who wish to observe urban and rural life across borders and experience the landscapes of Northeast China and North Korea.

This guide covers train schedules, ticketing, border procedures, carriage facilities, luggage rules, scenic highlights, and city transfers.

1. Train Information: Numbers, Schedule, and Route

Train Segments

• Beijing → Pyongyang:
  China section: K27 → At Dandong border change: 95 → North Korea section: 51
• Pyongyang → Beijing:
  North Korea section: 52 → At Sinuiju border change: 85 → China section: K28

Departure & Arrival (Beijing Time, No Time Difference)

Route & Distance

• Route: Beijing → Tianjin → Shanhaiguan → Shenyang → Dandong (exit China) → Sinuiju (enter North Korea) → Pyongyang
• Distance: 1,364 km
• Special Notes:
  • The train uses different traction in China and North Korea.
  • At the Dandong–Sinuiju border, carriages are detached and reattached.
  • Passengers remain on board during the border procedure.

2. Seat Classes and Ticket Prices

Carriage Configuration

• Hard Sleeper: 4-person compartment, open layout, shared bathroom, no power outlets.
• Soft Sleeper: 2-person compartment, private bathroom, air-conditioning, mini-fridge, charging port.

Ticket Prices (RMB, 2026 Official)

Notes: Group tickets are for groups of 6 or more.

3. Ticket Purchase Guide (Offline Only)

Important: Online booking via 12306 is not available for international trains.

Purchase Locations

• Beijing: China Travel Service (CTS) International Ticket Office
• Other cities: Tianjin, Shanhaiguan, Shenyang, Dandong railway station international ticket windows

Required Documents

• Original passport (valid ≥ 6 months, ≥ 2 blank pages)
• Valid North Korea visa (paper visa, not stamped on passport)

Tips

• Book 7–15 days in advance; Monday and Thursday trains are most popular.
• Tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable, exceptions only per station discretion.
• One ticket per person limit.

4. Border Procedures (Dandong ↔ Sinuiju)

The border process is onboard, passengers remain in their assigned carriages.

Required Documents

• Passport
• North Korea paper visa
• Chinese ID (for verification in China segment)
• Return ticket (may be checked)

Outbound: Beijing → Pyongyang

1. Depart Beijing at 17:27; international carriages at train rear.
2. Arrive Dandong next morning; Chinese border officers board (~30 min) for exit procedures. Exit stamp is on paper visa.
3. International carriages detached and moved separately to Sinuiju.
4. Cross the Yalu River Bridge (~10 min), enjoy views of the river and broken bridge relic.
5. Arrive Sinuiju; North Korean officers board (~40 min) to verify visa, stamp entry on paper visa, may ask basic travel questions.
6. Train continues as 51 to Pyongyang, arriving at 08:38 next day.

Return: Pyongyang → Beijing

• Reverse process; no need to move luggage or switch carriages.

5. Carriage Facilities & Luggage Rules

Hard Sleeper

• 4-person open compartment, firm bedding
• Shared restroom at carriage ends
• No air-conditioning (winter heating provided), no power outlets

Soft Sleeper

• 2-person private compartment
• Air-conditioning, private bathroom, mini-fridge, power outlet
• Clean bedding and good privacy

Dining & Food

• China segment: dining car available, simple meals 30–50 RMB, hot water, instant noodles
• North Korea segment: no dining car, bring food & water

Connectivity

• China segment: 4G signal
• North Korea segment: offline only; download maps in advance

Luggage Regulations

• Free allowance: Hard sleeper 20 kg, Soft sleeper 30 kg, max length ≤160 cm
• Prohibited: fresh food, meat, plants, oversized power banks (>27,000 mAh), knives, flammables
• Alcohol & cigarettes: max 2 cigarettes + 1 bottle alcohol per person both countries

6. Scenery & Travel Experience

China Segment (Beijing → Dandong)

• Passes through North China Plain, Bohai coastline, Northeast black soil region
• Evening departure, enjoy night views; arrive Dandong at sunrise with scenic farmland

Cross-border (Dandong → Sinuiju)

• Yalu River Bridge, broken bridge ruins, visible city contrast (Dandong high-rise / Sinuiju low-rise)

North Korea Segment (Sinuiju → Pyongyang)

• Plains, rice fields, small villages, Soviet-style architecture, occasional hills
• Early morning sunrise over farmland; quiet, peaceful landscape

Experience:

• Slow pace, fewer passengers
• International carriages mainly Chinese and North Korean business, diplomatic travelers
• Perfect for slow travel, observing daily life, and cultural immersion

7. Pyongyang Station → City Center

• Location: City center, near Kim Il Sung Square and Juche Tower
• Transport Options:
  • Taxi: ~50,000 KPW (~40 RMB), 10 min
  • Metro: Line 1, 5,000 KPW, 5 min
  • Walking: ~15 min, streetscape views

8. Travel Tips & Safety (2026)

• Visa: Individual tourism not available; group tours via licensed agencies only
• Currency: North Korean won (KPW) only; exchange small amount on arrival (1 RMB ≈ 1,200 KPW)
• Communication: No international roaming; buy local SIM (~50 RMB/week) or use offline maps
• Photography: Avoid military, soldiers, streets without permission; guide must approve attractions
• Safety: Train and city generally safe; safeguard valuables; avoid night walking alone

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my passport receive a North Korean stamp?
A: No, stamps go on separate paper visa. Passport remains clean.

Q: Can I take only the Dandong → Pyongyang segment?
A: Yes, 1 daily train (10:00 → 18:07), hard sleeper ~500 RMB.

Q: Is hot water available on the train?
A: Yes, at both ends of the carriage; bring a cup or instant noodles.