What We Know About Kim Jong-Un's Luxury, Bulletproof Train

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly arrived in Russia ahead of a summit with President Vladimir Putin. The summit, as indicated by the United States, is expected to center on Moscow's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in terms of weapon supplies.

Kim Jong Un's mode of travel for this occasion is his lavishly adorned, heavily armored, and notably slow private train. Photographs suggest that he was likely accompanied by high-ranking officials from the arms industry, among other diplomats and military commanders.

Reports indicate that Kim Jong Un's train is so weighty that it cannot exceed a speed of 59 km/hour, in stark contrast to high-speed rail systems like London's, which can reach approximately 200 km/hour, and Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains, which can achieve speeds of up to 320 km/hour.

So, why does the North Korean leader opt for train travel over flying?

It is reported that both Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, had a fear of flying. South Korean media previously suggested that this fear may have been triggered when Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung witnessed an explosion during a jet test flight. After that incident, Kim Il Sung did fly to the Soviet Union in 1986, but this marked the last time a North Korean leader publicly traveled abroad by air for more than three decades, according to the news agency AP.

While Kim Jong Un reportedly flew frequently during his boarding school days in Switzerland, since assuming office in 2011, he has occasionally chosen to fly, such as when he traveled to Singapore in 2018 for his first meeting with then-US President Donald Trump.

Many speculate that his preference for train travel could be rooted in honoring his family's tradition and showing respect to his predecessors.

What to know about Kim Jong Un's train:

Images released by state media depicted military honor guards and crowds of people in formal attire, waving flowers and flags as he boarded the dark green train, believed to be armored and equipped with specialized features.

Kim Jong Un's train, the same one used by his father and grandfather, comprises 21 bulletproof carriages with plush leather sofas and conference rooms, as reported by Reuters. Kim Jong Un possibly believes the armored train offers greater security and luxury compared to air travel.

According to Chosun Media, two separate trains accompany the main entourage: one leading to conduct security checks on the railway tracks to ensure safety and another trailing behind, carrying bodyguards and support personnel.

The Washington Post reported that onboard, passengers can likely enjoy additional luxuries. A detailed account of travel on a North Korean leader's train came from Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky, who recounted a journey across Russia's Far East with Kim Jong Il in a book called "Orient Express." Pulikovsky's book described a gourmet menu with a wide array of food offerings.

The Chosun Ilbo reported that approximately 100 security agents are dispatched ahead to stations to sweep them for potential threats, and power is cut off at stations to prevent other trains from moving. Additionally, there is a sizable logistical support group, which includes Soviet-made Il-76 air force transport planes and Mi-17 helicopters, as reported by the newspaper in 2009.

Kim Jong Un's Trip to Russia:

Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and his meeting with Vladimir Putin are anticipated to be a comprehensive visit, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a video posted online.

According to Peskov, the primary topic of discussion will revolve around relations between the two neighboring countries. "We will continue to strengthen our friendship," he noted.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied previous accusations by the United States that they engaged in arms deals. However, both nations have expressed their intent to bolster their defense ties.