Why North Korea’s Kim Jong Un prefers trains over planes

Kim Jong Un maintained the tradition of North Korean leaders taking a private and armoured train to neighbouring allied countries when he travelled to Russia for a meeting with Vladimir Putin.

While Kim has taken a few flights to travel abroad, his father Kim Jong Il was reportedly afraid of air travel.

Hindustan Times reported that both Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather were afraid of flying. The report cited South Korea media and said that the fear of air travel was possibly triggered after Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung saw their jet explode during a test flight

The journey to Russia’s Vladivostok is about 1,000 kilometres long and takes roughly one full day to complete on the armoured train. The North Korean leader last completed the journey in April 2019 to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kim Jong Un has also taken a train to China’s Beijing at least twice after taking control in 2011.

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The North Korean leader’s train is believed to be sandwiched between two other trains, one for clearing the way and the other with security staff. The train also carries 20 armoured cars and is equipped with a communications system and a special cabin for Kim, Reuters reported.