New Russia, North Korea Road Bridge To Open In Early 2027

The construction of a road bridge between Russia and North Korea across the Tumen River marks a significant milestone in relations between the two countries, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a virtual ceremony commemorating the beginning of the bridge’s construction. That was also attended by Pak Thae Song, the head of the North Korean cabinet.

Mishustin said “This is a big milestone for Russian-Korean relations. The importance of the bridge’s construction goes far beyond just engineering. It symbolizes our common intention to strengthen friendly neighbourly relations, to boost transregional cooperation. Russia and North Korea are creating a reliable basis for closer cooperation between our two countries, a road for an open and fruitful dialogue, for bringing our peoples closer, boosting the number of trips and meetings, and discovering each other’s history and traditions. The construction of a bridge for year-round traffic is a priority for us. The new bridge will become a firm symbol of peace and neighbourliness between Russia and North Korea.”

In 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed an agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership. In addition to issues of mutual military assistance, they see expanding cooperation in trade, economy, investment, science and technology, including in the areas of space and peaceful atomic energy.

There is currently only one operational railway bridge, and an air service between Russia and North Korea. A road bridge will allow increasing the flow of cargoes and expand passenger service. The bridge together with approach roads is 4.7 km long in total. The length of the bridge itself is 1 km, with the Russian part spanning 424 meters, and the Korean part 581 meters. The width of the bridge is seven meters (two lanes) and is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

Current standard Russia-North Korea trade is estimated at about US$120 million, with Russia exporting fertilizers and foods, and North Korea exporting machinery. However, the real value is probably in the tens of billions once confidential G2G agreements on weapons and space technology are factored in.