What Luxury Awaits on Kim Jong Un’s Bulletproof Train?

Kim Jong Un's travel methods reflect his extravagant lifestyle and the lengths to which he goes for security and comfort. His signature green armoured train, known as Taeyangho or 'Sun Train', is a mobile fortress equipped with luxury amenities and high-level security features, making it a fitting ride for the leader of North Korea.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Taeyangho train is heavily fortified with bulletproof features and military-grade protection.
• Luxury amenities include private offices, bedrooms, and conference rooms.
• Kim Jong Un's travel includes an advance security train and air cover from military helicopters.
• The train serves as a tool for state propaganda, showcasing Kim's connection with the people.
• Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, also frequently travelled by train, with a history of lavish onboard experiences.

The Taeyangho: A Fortress on Rails

The Taeyangho train is not merely a mode of transport; it's a symbol of the Kim dynasty's power and paranoia. Designed to ensure the safety of its high-profile passenger, the train features bulletproof windows and armour-plated walls, making it impervious to most threats. Its ability to travel at a maximum speed of 37 mph might seem slow, but it prioritises safety over speed.

In addition to the protective measures, the train is equipped with anti-aircraft weaponry, showcasing the leader's acute awareness of potential threats. This level of security is indicative of Kim's deep-seated paranoia, necessitating an advance security train that scouts the rails ahead, as well as a support train filled with bodyguards that follows behind. Notably, military helicopters provide air cover during his journeys, ensuring a comprehensive security protocol is in place.

Luxury Features of the Taeyangho

The interior of the Taeyangho train is a stark contrast to its imposing exterior. Inside, the train is adorned with leather-appointed seating, wood-panelled décor, and opulent blue-and-gold curtains. For Kim Jong Un and his guests, the train offers private bedrooms, offices, and conference rooms, making it a mobile command centre.

One of the most striking features of Kim's office on the train is a gold-embossed laptop, alongside a bank of telephones and his signature box of cigarettes. The train also houses a restaurant and space for two armoured Mercedes, ensuring that Kim's journey is as comfortable as it is secure.

Historical Context: The Kim Train Legacy

Kim Jong Un's use of the Taeyangho is reminiscent of his father's travel habits. Kim Jong Il, known for his aversion to flying, utilised trains for his international trips, especially to China. He is said to have made approximately a dozen trips abroad during his 17-year rule, almost all by train. Kim Jong Il's final moments were spent aboard a train, as he died from a heart attack in 2011 while travelling.

In a notable account from 2002, Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky described a three-week journey with Kim Jong Il to Moscow. This luxurious train was stocked with cases of Bordeaux and Beaujolais wine and offered gourmet meals, including live lobsters, highlighting the lavish lifestyle of the Kim family even while on official business.

State Propaganda and Public Image

The Taeyangho train is not just a means of transport but also a key tool in state propaganda. The regime often showcases long train journeys as a way for Kim to connect with the North Korean populace. In 2022, state television featured Kim Jong Un on what was labelled an 'exhaustive train tour' around the country to inspect corn crops and promote the idea of a communist utopia.

Such portrayals aim to reinforce Kim's image as a leader who is closely aligned with the everyday lives of ordinary North Koreans. The propaganda narratives often depict him embarking on these journeys to demonstrate concern for his people, despite the stark realities faced by many within the country.

Anecdotes and Humorous Moments

Even amidst the serious undertones of statecraft and security, there are moments of levity associated with Kim's travels. An amusing incident occurred when Kim Jong Un's personal media team almost missed the train during a trip to Russia. As the train departed Komsomolsk-on-Amur bound for Vladivostok, the media team scrambled to board after recording a farewell ceremony. This light-hearted moment highlights the sometimes chaotic nature of such high-profile travel.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Taeyangho

Kim Jong Un's use of the Taeyangho train epitomises the extravagant lifestyle and security measures that characterise his rule. With its luxurious interiors and formidable security features, the train serves as a fitting representation of North Korea's dynastic leadership. While it facilitates travel for the leader, it also functions as a powerful tool for propaganda, reinforcing the regime's image and control over the narrative surrounding Kim's governance.

As North Korea continues to navigate its complex relationship with the world, the Taeyangho remains a potent symbol of both luxury and isolation. What other modes of transport might we see from world leaders in the future? #KimJongUn #NorthKorea #LuxuryTravel

FAQs

What is the Taeyangho train?

The Taeyangho, meaning 'Sun Train', is Kim Jong Un's armoured train that serves as a secure mode of transport, featuring luxury amenities and heavy security measures.

Why does Kim Jong Un travel by train?

Kim Jong Un travels by train due to his father's legacy of avoiding air travel, combined with the added security and comfort that the train provides.

What amenities are available on the Taeyangho?

The train offers luxury features such as private bedrooms, offices, conference rooms, and even space for armoured vehicles, along with high-end décor and facilities.

How does the train serve as a propaganda tool?

The train is used in state propaganda to portray Kim Jong Un as a leader who is in touch with ordinary North Koreans, showcasing his travels to inspect local conditions.

What happened during Kim Jong Il's travels?

Kim Jong Il frequently travelled by train, often indulging in luxuries onboard, and he died while travelling by train in 2011. His travels were marked by opulence and security.