--- title: "The Taeyangho Train: Inside Kim Jong-Un's Armored 'Moving Fortress'" description: "On the 27th of February, 2019, a summit took place in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi between North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and then-U.S President Donald Trump.\n\nThere was much about the summit which was unusual. For one thing, a bilateral meeting between leaders of both countries was rare and had only occurred once before — the previous year, in fact, when the same two figures had met in Singapore. The fact that the meeting was taking place in Vietnam was strange too, some analysts concluding that this was due to its relatively friendly relations with North Korea, and an attempt by Trump to massage relations with a country with which the US had relatively recently been at war.\n\nBut perhaps strangest of all was the fact that Kim Jong-Un had made the journey from North Korea to Vietnam — along with his entourage — entirely by train.\n\nYes, the sprawling journey across the vast Chinese hinterland from Pyongyang to Hanoi — a route of some 4,000 kilometres — had taken Kim Jong-Un sixty-five hours: significantly more time than the summit ended up lasting.\n\nBut before anyone would be tempted to believe that this mammoth route was conducted by train out of respect for the environment, or to demonstrate the superior rail connectivity linking the three countries, neither one of these was the case.\n\nBecause in actual fact, both leaders had travelled to Vietnam in their preferred — and most secure — mode of transport, one reserved for the exclusive use of the head of state and held as the best protection for them against would-be attacks. For the U.S, this was the Boeing VC-25 — a one-of-a-kind aeroplane built to transport US Presidents since 1990, often better known by its call sign Air Force One.\n\nBut for North Korea, this is the Taeyangho, a massive armoured train complete with weapons and defence systems, munitions departments and dormitories, and which often goes by its own nickname, the 'Moving Fortress'.\n\n## Origins of the Taeyangho\n\nThe Taeyangho trains have a long and storied history in the transport of North Korea's governing Kim dynasty.\n\nWith its name coming from the Korean word for the sun, the first Taeyangho came into use soon after the establishment of the state in the early 1950s, for the personal transit of the first Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung. It is thought that the reason for its development was due to the elder Kim's dislike of flying, but may have also been a nod to the first international gift he received on route to power: a train carriage donated by Joseph Stalin in 1945.\n\nOne way or another, the first Supreme Leader of North Korea continued to use the trains extensively throughout his life, both inside North Korea and outside. He even used the Taeyangho to travel all the way from North Korea to Eastern Europe in 1984, where he visited every single socialist country in the Eastern Bloc on a marathon train tour.\n\nStill, the first Supreme Leader was not averse to using air transport and began to do so more extensively later in life, such as by travelling to Moscow to meet with Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986. But the trend of using armoured trains continued with his son and successor, Kim Jong-Il, who was known to have a keen fear of flying, and who is thought to have died on board one of these trains in 2011. And it would appear that, despite advances in aerial, maritime, and overland transport, the use of the Taeyangho has not abated with Kim Jong-Un, who uses the trains every bit as often as his father and grandfather did.\n\nWith that said, the current leader — like his grandfather — is known to use air travel on select occasions, having done so on visits to both China and Singapore, and even being shown piloting an Antonov An-148 aeroplane in state media footage from 2014. In fact, Kim Jong-Un does dispose of his own private plane, which he could use on overseas visits if he chose to. Known as Chammae-1 (the word for the national bird of North Korea, the goshawk), his personal craft is a Russian-made Ilyushin-62 from the Cold War era. But given the age of the model, analysts question its reliability as well as its possible vulnerability to attack. And for a leader as security-conscious as Kim Jong-Un, vulnerability in transit is not a matter likely to be taken very lightly.\n\nSo naturally, one would say, the answer to this would be to find a new model of plane — one with upgraded defensive capabilities and cutting radar and threat-detection equipment.\n\nWrong.\n\nOne strategy used by the Supreme Leader is to simply set off a decoy Chammae-1 to fool a would-be attacker into tracking that plane instead of his own. On at least one occasion, the Chammae flew out from Pyongyang while Kim Jong-Un was safely aboard an Air China 747, a courtesy from North Korea's ally, the People's Republic of China.\n\nBut the more common strategy used by Kim Jong-Un to ensure his protection on his rare trips abroad is to travel instead by train, specifically the Taeyangho, due to its defensive capacities.\n\nAnd defensive capabilities it certainly has — in droves.\n\n## Breakdown and Analysis\n\nThe train length varies according to the number of carriages it carries, but is generally between 10 and 20 carriages, amounting to a length of between 310 metres and 560 metres. By any metric, an absolutely gargantuan train.\n\nThe train's nickname, 'The Moving Fortress', is certainly appropriate. In short, it is an army barracks and munitions depot on wheels. The train is equipped with short and medium range weaponry, as well as with extensive small arms. Its carriages are complete with bulletproof windows and its walls and floors are reinforced with steel plates to protect against explosive attacks. Its main armament consists of defensive weapons such as anti-air and anti-tank guided missiles, and its secondary armament includes mounted machine guns, as well as up to a hundred military personnel.\n\nFurthermore, its carriages include a space for at least one Mercedes-Benz S-Class (the preferred vehicle of Kim Jong-Un), as well as a US-made MD 500C helicopter — reportedly illegally obtained — to facilitate escape in the case of attack.\n\nPerhaps given how laden it is with weapons and with guards, the train is extremely slow, reportedly crawling along at a paltry 55 kilometres per hour. This explains the length of Kim Jong-Un's travel across China to meet Donald Trump, a journey which — normally — would be accomplishable by train in much shorter time, given China's saturation with high-speed rail services.\n\nThe Moving Fortress also monopolises transport in locations it travels through. It is thought that there are a total of 19 railway stations across North Korea which are accessible only by the Taeyangho, and it is also known that the electricity of railway stations being used by the train is turned off when the train is nearby, in order to inhibit the movement of any other trains from its surrounding area. This is something which has been done even abroad, and the passage of the Taeyangho is also accompanied by a complete media blackout in order to keep the journey obscured. Kim Jong Il's trip to China in 2003, for example, wasn't announced until days after it occurred. And when he travelled to Russia in 2009, local photographers were reportedly banned from documenting the journey, and entire towns in Siberia were instructed to remain indoors until the train safely passed.\n\nIt is also thought that the train does not travel singularly, and that two other trains travel together with the Taeyangho in a three-train set: one to check the tracks and which travels ahead by around seven minutes, and another to follow up the Supreme Leader's carriages with logistical support, including Soviet-made Il-76 transport planes and Mi-17 helicopters. According to the South Korean outlet Chosun Ilbo, this can result that the total train convoy comprises as many as 90 rail cars.\n\nIn addition, when departing abroad, an advance group of North Korean operatives will travel ahead of the set in order to inspect outlying train stations, sweep them for potential threats, and make all necessary disruptions to its regular service in order to facilitate the bypass of the Supreme Leader.\n\nThere are two crossing points with neighbouring countries which the Taeyangho uses, one of these being the Sino-Korean Friendship bridge located at the border with China, and the other being a bridge on the border with Russia close to the eastern Russian city of Vladivostock, which is — creatively — also known as the Friendship bridge.\n\nMeanwhile, the train is thought to have a decidedly opulent interior, and a lavish travelling experience for its passengers. According to former Russian military commander Konstantin Pulikovsky, who rode with Kim Jong-Il on the train in 2001, it was possible to \"order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine\" onboard. The train features a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes such as fresh lobster, which Pulikovsky claimed were transported to the train during its transit to ensure the availability of fresh delicacies, while cases of red wine from Bordeaux and Burgundy were also flown in from Paris.\n\nThe train also has a karaoke room and several lavish halls allowing for entertainment and relaxation on board.\n\nKim Jong-Un has also been known to welcome dignitaries and heads of state on board the train when travelling abroad, with a Chinese delegation being photographed conversing with the Supreme Leader in one of the train's salons in 2018.\n\nAdmittedly, travelling abroad is not something the Supreme Leader does very often, with his next known visit abroad after the Vietnam trip coming a full four years later, when he travelled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia.\n\nAnd once again, he did so on board the Taeyangho.\n\nNow, it must be said that there is a certain logic to the rather obsessive use of train transport by North Korea. Owing to the development of flight trackers, trains have been judged by military analysts to be a safer and stealthier way of travelling for world leaders, especially in hostile countries or in warzones. As an example, travel to Ukraine by aeroplane has been largely curtailed since the beginning of Russia's ground invasion, with figures such as President Joe Biden and Ukraine's own President Volodymyr Zelensky generally having travelled in Ukraine by rail. Some reports have suggested that even Vladimir Putin has travelled more regularly by rail since 2021 due to concerns about his own security.\n\nIn short, irrespective of any technological advancements taking place in the field of transport or indeed of military defence, it seems that the use of the Moving Fortress as the preferred means of travel for the leader of the People's Democratic Republic of North Korea is unlikely to change anytime soon.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Kim Jong-Un traveled by train from North Korea to Vietnam for a summit with Donald Trump in 2019.\n- The Taeyangho, known as the 'Moving Fortress,' is an armored train used by North Korean leaders for secure travel.\n- The train is equipped with extensive weaponry, defensive systems, and luxurious amenities for the leader's comfort.\n- Kim Jong-Un's train journey to Vietnam took 65 hours, highlighting the train's slow speed due to its heavy defenses.\n- The Taeyangho's use is preferred for its stealth and security, especially in potentially hostile environments.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### What is the Taeyangho?\n\nThe Taeyangho is a massive armored train used by North Korean leaders, complete with weapons, defense systems, munitions departments, and dormitories. It is often referred to as the 'Moving Fortress'.\n\n### Who first used the Taeyangho train?\n\nThe first Taeyangho came into use soon after the establishment of the state in the early 1950s for the personal transit of the first Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung.\n\n### Why does Kim Jong-Un prefer the Taeyangho over other modes of transport?\n\nKim Jong-Un prefers the Taeyangho due to its defensive capabilities and the security it provides against potential attacks. The train is equipped with extensive weaponry and defensive systems.\n\n### How long did Kim Jong-Un's journey from Pyongyang to Hanoi take by train?\n\nKim Jong-Un's journey from Pyongyang to Hanoi by train took 65 hours, covering a distance of approximately 4,000 kilometers.\n\n### What are some of the defensive features of the Taeyangho?\n\nThe Taeyangho is equipped with short and medium-range weaponry, anti-air and anti-tank guided missiles, mounted machine guns, and up to a hundred military personnel. Its carriages have bulletproof windows and reinforced steel plates.\n\n### How does the Taeyangho ensure the safety of its route?\n\nThe Taeyangho's passage is accompanied by a complete media blackout and the electricity of railway stations is turned off to inhibit the movement of other trains. Additionally, advance groups inspect stations for threats and disrupt regular service.\n\n### What is the interior of the Taeyangho like?\n\nThe Taeyangho has a lavish interior with a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes, a karaoke room, and several halls for entertainment and relaxation. It also features a space for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a US-made MD 500C helicopter.\n\n### How many carriages does the Taeyangho typically have?\n\nThe Taeyangho typically has between 10 and 20 carriages, making it between 310 meters and 560 meters long.\n\n### What is the speed of the Taeyangho?\n\nThe Taeyangho travels at a speed of approximately 55 kilometers per hour.\n\n### What other trains accompany the Taeyangho during its journeys?\n\nThe Taeyangho is often accompanied by two other trains: one that travels ahead to check the tracks and another that follows with logistical support, including transport planes and helicopters.\n\n## Sources\n\n- [Original MegaProjects video: The Taeyangho Train: Kim Jong-Un’s Fortress on Rails](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2pF9k1UATI)\n- [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/12/kim-jong-uns-moving-fortress-armoured-train-what-to-know](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/12/kim-jong-uns-moving-fortress-armoured-train-what-to-know)\n- [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44054024](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44054024)\n- [https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia](https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia)\n- [https://www.nknews.org/2019/02/like-father-like-son-a-train-journey-across-siberia-with-kim-jong-il/](https://www.nknews.org/2019/02/like-father-like-son-a-train-journey-across-siberia-with-kim-jong-il/)\n- [https://youtu.be/JHi6vuikhZ0?si=k3xe1GJSx-UaqPWZ](https://youtu.be/JHi6vuikhZ0?si=k3xe1GJSx-UaqPWZ)\n- [https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/donald-trumps-north-korea-gambit-what-worked-what-didnt-and-whats-next](https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/donald-trumps-north-korea-gambit-what-worked-what-didnt-and-whats-next)\n- [https://www.distance.to/Pyongyang,PRK/Hanoi,VNM](https://www.distance.to/Pyongyang,PRK/Hanoi,VNM)\n- [https://simpleflying.com/kim-jong-un-private-jet/](https://simpleflying.com/kim-jong-un-private-jet/)\n- [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366398.amp](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366398.amp)\n- [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-25-fg-gifts25-story.html](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-25-fg-gifts25-story.html)\n- [https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia](https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia)\n- [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/11/kim-jong-un-armored-train-north-korea-putin/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/11/kim-jong-un-armored-train-north-korea-putin/)\n- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO49DYEm07g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO49DYEm07g)\n- [Hero image source](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Impeached_Arrested_Convicted_Shot_-_Still_Standing_-_Trump_2024_%2854031599156%29.jpg) by Tony Webster / openverse, by.\n\n## Related Coverage" url: https://megaprojects.pub/article/taeyangho-train-kim-jong-un-fortress-on-rails.md canonical: https://megaprojects.pub/article/taeyangho-train-kim-jong-un-fortress-on-rails datePublished: 2026-07-02 dateModified: 2026-07-02 author: - name: Simon Whistler url: https://megaprojects.pub/author/simon-whistler publisher: MegaProjects image: "https://media.megaprojects.pub/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=338,fit=cover,quality=80,format=auto/articles/W2pF9k1UATI/hero.jpg" type: NewsArticle contentHash: e1d1f3055177e198dda92556b62d0e5779d45c56e66ccd6b0ce9d1e364710fc1 tokens: 4038 summaryUrl: https://megaprojects.pub/article/taeyangho-train-kim-jong-un-fortress-on-rails.md.summary.md --- On the 27th of February, 2019, a summit took place in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi between North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and then-U.S President Donald Trump. There was much about the summit which was unusual. For one thing, a bilateral meeting between leaders of both countries was rare and had only occurred once before — the previous year, in fact, when the same two figures had met in Singapore. The fact that the meeting was taking place in Vietnam was strange too, some analysts concluding that this was due to its relatively friendly relations with North Korea, and an attempt by Trump to massage relations with a country with which the US had relatively recently been at war. But perhaps strangest of all was the fact that Kim Jong-Un had made the journey from North Korea to Vietnam — along with his entourage — entirely by train. Yes, the sprawling journey across the vast Chinese hinterland from Pyongyang to Hanoi — a route of some 4,000 kilometres — had taken Kim Jong-Un sixty-five hours: significantly more time than the summit ended up lasting. But before anyone would be tempted to believe that this mammoth route was conducted by train out of respect for the environment, or to demonstrate the superior rail connectivity linking the three countries, neither one of these was the case. Because in actual fact, both leaders had travelled to Vietnam in their preferred — and most secure — mode of transport, one reserved for the exclusive use of the head of state and held as the best protection for them against would-be attacks. For the U.S, this was the Boeing VC-25 — a one-of-a-kind aeroplane built to transport US Presidents since 1990, often better known by its call sign Air Force One. But for North Korea, this is the Taeyangho, a massive armoured train complete with weapons and defence systems, munitions departments and dormitories, and which often goes by its own nickname, the 'Moving Fortress'. ## Origins of the Taeyangho The Taeyangho trains have a long and storied history in the transport of North Korea's governing Kim dynasty. With its name coming from the Korean word for the sun, the first Taeyangho came into use soon after the establishment of the state in the early 1950s, for the personal transit of the first Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung. It is thought that the reason for its development was due to the elder Kim's dislike of flying, but may have also been a nod to the first international gift he received on route to power: a train carriage donated by Joseph Stalin in 1945. One way or another, the first Supreme Leader of North Korea continued to use the trains extensively throughout his life, both inside North Korea and outside. He even used the Taeyangho to travel all the way from North Korea to Eastern Europe in 1984, where he visited every single socialist country in the Eastern Bloc on a marathon train tour. Still, the first Supreme Leader was not averse to using air transport and began to do so more extensively later in life, such as by travelling to Moscow to meet with Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986. But the trend of using armoured trains continued with his son and successor, Kim Jong-Il, who was known to have a keen fear of flying, and who is thought to have died on board one of these trains in 2011. And it would appear that, despite advances in aerial, maritime, and overland transport, the use of the Taeyangho has not abated with Kim Jong-Un, who uses the trains every bit as often as his father and grandfather did. With that said, the current leader — like his grandfather — is known to use air travel on select occasions, having done so on visits to both China and Singapore, and even being shown piloting an Antonov An-148 aeroplane in state media footage from 2014. In fact, Kim Jong-Un does dispose of his own private plane, which he could use on overseas visits if he chose to. Known as Chammae-1 (the word for the national bird of North Korea, the goshawk), his personal craft is a Russian-made Ilyushin-62 from the Cold War era. But given the age of the model, analysts question its reliability as well as its possible vulnerability to attack. And for a leader as security-conscious as Kim Jong-Un, vulnerability in transit is not a matter likely to be taken very lightly. So naturally, one would say, the answer to this would be to find a new model of plane — one with upgraded defensive capabilities and cutting radar and threat-detection equipment. Wrong. One strategy used by the Supreme Leader is to simply set off a decoy Chammae-1 to fool a would-be attacker into tracking that plane instead of his own. On at least one occasion, the Chammae flew out from Pyongyang while Kim Jong-Un was safely aboard an Air China 747, a courtesy from North Korea's ally, the People's Republic of China. But the more common strategy used by Kim Jong-Un to ensure his protection on his rare trips abroad is to travel instead by train, specifically the Taeyangho, due to its defensive capacities. And defensive capabilities it certainly has — in droves. ## Breakdown and Analysis The train length varies according to the number of carriages it carries, but is generally between 10 and 20 carriages, amounting to a length of between 310 metres and 560 metres. By any metric, an absolutely gargantuan train. The train's nickname, 'The Moving Fortress', is certainly appropriate. In short, it is an army barracks and munitions depot on wheels. The train is equipped with short and medium range weaponry, as well as with extensive small arms. Its carriages are complete with bulletproof windows and its walls and floors are reinforced with steel plates to protect against explosive attacks. Its main armament consists of defensive weapons such as anti-air and anti-tank guided missiles, and its secondary armament includes mounted machine guns, as well as up to a hundred military personnel. Furthermore, its carriages include a space for at least one Mercedes-Benz S-Class (the preferred vehicle of Kim Jong-Un), as well as a US-made MD 500C helicopter — reportedly illegally obtained — to facilitate escape in the case of attack. Perhaps given how laden it is with weapons and with guards, the train is extremely slow, reportedly crawling along at a paltry 55 kilometres per hour. This explains the length of Kim Jong-Un's travel across China to meet Donald Trump, a journey which — normally — would be accomplishable by train in much shorter time, given China's saturation with high-speed rail services. The Moving Fortress also monopolises transport in locations it travels through. It is thought that there are a total of 19 railway stations across North Korea which are accessible only by the Taeyangho, and it is also known that the electricity of railway stations being used by the train is turned off when the train is nearby, in order to inhibit the movement of any other trains from its surrounding area. This is something which has been done even abroad, and the passage of the Taeyangho is also accompanied by a complete media blackout in order to keep the journey obscured. Kim Jong Il's trip to China in 2003, for example, wasn't announced until days after it occurred. And when he travelled to Russia in 2009, local photographers were reportedly banned from documenting the journey, and entire towns in Siberia were instructed to remain indoors until the train safely passed. It is also thought that the train does not travel singularly, and that two other trains travel together with the Taeyangho in a three-train set: one to check the tracks and which travels ahead by around seven minutes, and another to follow up the Supreme Leader's carriages with logistical support, including Soviet-made Il-76 transport planes and Mi-17 helicopters. According to the South Korean outlet Chosun Ilbo, this can result that the total train convoy comprises as many as 90 rail cars. In addition, when departing abroad, an advance group of North Korean operatives will travel ahead of the set in order to inspect outlying train stations, sweep them for potential threats, and make all necessary disruptions to its regular service in order to facilitate the bypass of the Supreme Leader. There are two crossing points with neighbouring countries which the Taeyangho uses, one of these being the Sino-Korean Friendship bridge located at the border with China, and the other being a bridge on the border with Russia close to the eastern Russian city of Vladivostock, which is — creatively — also known as the Friendship bridge. Meanwhile, the train is thought to have a decidedly opulent interior, and a lavish travelling experience for its passengers. According to former Russian military commander Konstantin Pulikovsky, who rode with Kim Jong-Il on the train in 2001, it was possible to "order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine" onboard. The train features a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes such as fresh lobster, which Pulikovsky claimed were transported to the train during its transit to ensure the availability of fresh delicacies, while cases of red wine from Bordeaux and Burgundy were also flown in from Paris. The train also has a karaoke room and several lavish halls allowing for entertainment and relaxation on board. Kim Jong-Un has also been known to welcome dignitaries and heads of state on board the train when travelling abroad, with a Chinese delegation being photographed conversing with the Supreme Leader in one of the train's salons in 2018. Admittedly, travelling abroad is not something the Supreme Leader does very often, with his next known visit abroad after the Vietnam trip coming a full four years later, when he travelled to meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia. And once again, he did so on board the Taeyangho. Now, it must be said that there is a certain logic to the rather obsessive use of train transport by North Korea. Owing to the development of flight trackers, trains have been judged by military analysts to be a safer and stealthier way of travelling for world leaders, especially in hostile countries or in warzones. As an example, travel to Ukraine by aeroplane has been largely curtailed since the beginning of Russia's ground invasion, with figures such as President Joe Biden and Ukraine's own President Volodymyr Zelensky generally having travelled in Ukraine by rail. Some reports have suggested that even Vladimir Putin has travelled more regularly by rail since 2021 due to concerns about his own security. In short, irrespective of any technological advancements taking place in the field of transport or indeed of military defence, it seems that the use of the Moving Fortress as the preferred means of travel for the leader of the People's Democratic Republic of North Korea is unlikely to change anytime soon. ## Key Takeaways - Kim Jong-Un traveled by train from North Korea to Vietnam for a summit with Donald Trump in 2019. - The Taeyangho, known as the 'Moving Fortress,' is an armored train used by North Korean leaders for secure travel. - The train is equipped with extensive weaponry, defensive systems, and luxurious amenities for the leader's comfort. - Kim Jong-Un's train journey to Vietnam took 65 hours, highlighting the train's slow speed due to its heavy defenses. - The Taeyangho's use is preferred for its stealth and security, especially in potentially hostile environments. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the Taeyangho? The Taeyangho is a massive armored train used by North Korean leaders, complete with weapons, defense systems, munitions departments, and dormitories. It is often referred to as the 'Moving Fortress'. ### Who first used the Taeyangho train? The first Taeyangho came into use soon after the establishment of the state in the early 1950s for the personal transit of the first Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Il-Sung. ### Why does Kim Jong-Un prefer the Taeyangho over other modes of transport? Kim Jong-Un prefers the Taeyangho due to its defensive capabilities and the security it provides against potential attacks. The train is equipped with extensive weaponry and defensive systems. ### How long did Kim Jong-Un's journey from Pyongyang to Hanoi take by train? Kim Jong-Un's journey from Pyongyang to Hanoi by train took 65 hours, covering a distance of approximately 4,000 kilometers. ### What are some of the defensive features of the Taeyangho? The Taeyangho is equipped with short and medium-range weaponry, anti-air and anti-tank guided missiles, mounted machine guns, and up to a hundred military personnel. Its carriages have bulletproof windows and reinforced steel plates. ### How does the Taeyangho ensure the safety of its route? The Taeyangho's passage is accompanied by a complete media blackout and the electricity of railway stations is turned off to inhibit the movement of other trains. Additionally, advance groups inspect stations for threats and disrupt regular service. ### What is the interior of the Taeyangho like? The Taeyangho has a lavish interior with a restaurant serving fine French wines and dishes, a karaoke room, and several halls for entertainment and relaxation. It also features a space for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a US-made MD 500C helicopter. ### How many carriages does the Taeyangho typically have? The Taeyangho typically has between 10 and 20 carriages, making it between 310 meters and 560 meters long. ### What is the speed of the Taeyangho? The Taeyangho travels at a speed of approximately 55 kilometers per hour. ### What other trains accompany the Taeyangho during its journeys? The Taeyangho is often accompanied by two other trains: one that travels ahead to check the tracks and another that follows with logistical support, including transport planes and helicopters. ## Sources - [Original MegaProjects video: The Taeyangho Train: Kim Jong-Un’s Fortress on Rails](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2pF9k1UATI) - [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/12/kim-jong-uns-moving-fortress-armoured-train-what-to-know](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/12/kim-jong-uns-moving-fortress-armoured-train-what-to-know) - [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44054024](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44054024) - [https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia](https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia) - [https://www.nknews.org/2019/02/like-father-like-son-a-train-journey-across-siberia-with-kim-jong-il/](https://www.nknews.org/2019/02/like-father-like-son-a-train-journey-across-siberia-with-kim-jong-il/) - [https://youtu.be/JHi6vuikhZ0?si=k3xe1GJSx-UaqPWZ](https://youtu.be/JHi6vuikhZ0?si=k3xe1GJSx-UaqPWZ) - [https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/donald-trumps-north-korea-gambit-what-worked-what-didnt-and-whats-next](https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/donald-trumps-north-korea-gambit-what-worked-what-didnt-and-whats-next) - [https://www.distance.to/Pyongyang,PRK/Hanoi,VNM](https://www.distance.to/Pyongyang,PRK/Hanoi,VNM) - [https://simpleflying.com/kim-jong-un-private-jet/](https://simpleflying.com/kim-jong-un-private-jet/) - [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366398.amp](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47366398.amp) - [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-25-fg-gifts25-story.html](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-nov-25-fg-gifts25-story.html) - [https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia](https://www.npr.org/2023/09/11/1198781448/kim-jong-un-vladimir-putin-meeting-north-korea-russia) - [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/11/kim-jong-un-armored-train-north-korea-putin/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/09/11/kim-jong-un-armored-train-north-korea-putin/) - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO49DYEm07g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO49DYEm07g) - [Hero image source](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Impeached_Arrested_Convicted_Shot_-_Still_Standing_-_Trump_2024_%2854031599156%29.jpg) by Tony Webster / openverse, by. ## Related Coverage