Finance
North Korea, Russia Aim to Open New Road Bridge Soon, Kcna Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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North Korea and Russia have linked a new 850‑metre road bridge across the Tumen River, marking the first direct road connection. Completion is set for mid‑June (June 19 2026), aiming to boost trade, tourism and strategic ties.
North Korea, Russia to Launch Road Bridge for Trade and Tourism Expansion
By Heejin Kim
North Korea and Russia Strengthen Economic and Diplomatic Ties
Bridge Construction and Strategic Importance
SEOUL, April 23 (Reuters) - North Korea and Russia aim to open a road bridge connecting the countries across the Tumen River as soon as possible, North Korean state media KCNA said on Thursday, as the neighbouring countries forge closer ties.
The project, which began about a year ago, is "an important business" to boost bilateral cooperation including tourism, trade and the movement of people, KCNA said.
Details of the Bridge Project
Construction of the 850-metre (2,789-ft) bridge, which will connect to Russia's highway system, was agreed during a 2024 visit to North Korea by President Vladimir Putin.
Russia and North Korea held a ceremony on Tuesday to mark the joining of the bridge, the Moscow Times reported.
It is being built near the existing "Friendship Bridge", a rail bridge which was commissioned in 1959 after the Korean War.
Opening Ceremony and Completion Timeline
KCNA said an opening ceremony would be held soon, without specifying a date. The Russian embassy in Pyongyang wrote on Telegram that the bridge would be completed on June 19.
Economic and Regional Impact
Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorsky region in Russia's Far East, wrote on Telegram that the bridge would increase trade and expand cultural and tourism ties. He said it would cut the distance between Vladivostok and the border city of Rason to 320 kilometres and the crossing would have the capacity to accommodate up to 300 cars per day.
The update came as several Russian delegations visited North Korea this week.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev met Jo Yong Won, chairman of the Standing Committee of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, on Wednesday in what KCNA described as a "favorable atmosphere."
On Tuesday, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko visited the North Korean city of Wonsan to attend a ceremony celebrating the construction of a hospital symbolising the "friendship" between the countries, KCNA said.
Strategic Partnership Treaty
Russia and North Korea in 2024 signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" during Putin's visit to Pyongyang.
The pact includes a mutual defence provision, and North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in western Russia's Kursk region after a large Ukrainian incursion.
Regional Context: China's Role
China has also been seeking to strengthen cross-border infrastructure and rebuild ties with North Korea and last month saw the first passenger train service between the countries resume after a six-year gap.
(Reporting by Heejin Kim and additional reporting by Ronald Popeski Editing by Ed Davies)
Key Takeaways
- •Construction began in April 2025 after a 2024 agreement during Putin’s Pyongyang visit
- •The road bridge supplements the existing 1959 rail‑only Friendship Bridge and will process up to 300 vehicles per day
- •The bridge supports expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, tourism and military‑strategic domains
Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea, Russia aim to open new road bridge soon, KCNA says
1What is the purpose of the new road bridge between North Korea and Russia?
The new road bridge aims to boost bilateral cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including trade, tourism, and the movement of people.
2Where is the new North Korea-Russia bridge located?
The bridge spans the Tumen River near the existing Friendship Bridge on the North Korea-Russia border.
3When is the North Korea-Russia road bridge expected to be completed?
The Russian embassy in Pyongyang indicated that the bridge would be completed on June 19.
4How will the new road bridge impact trade between the countries?
The bridge is expected to increase trade and expand both cultural and tourism ties, enabling up to 300 cars per day to cross.
5What recent agreements have strengthened North Korea-Russia relations?
In 2024, North Korea and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, including mutual defense and economic cooperation.