North Korea’s unpredictable dictator, Kim Jong-un, recently steamed into Beijing on his custom-built armored train. This modest albeit safe form of transport has been the preferred mode of transportation for North Korean leaders for many decades. This unusual vehicle functions as both far flung modal shift machine and an armored staff fortress on wheels. It ensures the safety and comfort of Kim Jong-un and his entourage as they conduct their official diplomatic engagements.
The train doesn’t go much faster than that — its top speed is just 60 kilometres per hour, or 37 miles per hour. It was about a 20 hour journey to get to Beijing. This form of transportation contributes to a tamer, safer environment overall. It’s a must for any leader who claims safety is their number one goal. With its walls a foot thick, the train is armored like a flying fortress. It offers robust defense against life-threatening risks, deadly highways, and roads.
Kim Jong-un’s locomotive is so lavishly outfitted that it has been described as the dictator’s mobile palace. Inside, you’ll find airy bedrooms and a cozy meeting room. The extravagant decor features modernist ceiling-hung lighting fixtures and plush scarlet leather club chairs. More than just a vessel, the interior is built for comfort and human productivity. It serves to help Kim and his aides flush out agendas beforehand to major meetings.
The lavish train features a wood-panelled office contrasted by a huge gold crest emblazoned with the North Korean flag. This environment offers a perfect opportunity to get official business done while going mobile. Smartphones and modern communications make it possible for Kim Jong-un to be in constant contact with his government while traveling. This includes a gold-embossed laptop computer and a central bank of telephones.
The train appeared to have been stocked with Kim Jong-un’s choice of cigarettes, the old-style box of white Ducal. It includes rows of bottles filled with blue or clear liquids, emphasizing his particular proclivities. With its long, green carriages and golden crests, the Royal Scotsman is an unforgettable sight, even when seen from afar. It travels with power, swagger and prestige on every mile.
Kim Jong-un’s train was the story during his first meeting with Donald Trump in Hanoi in 2019. We couldn’t believe that it actually took 2.5 days to fly 4,500 kilometers! Despite the lengthy journey, the train provides a safer and more comfortable space for a large entourage, security guards, food supplies, and other amenities required for extended travel.