North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands during bilateral summit in April. Credit: Cheongwadae / Blue House.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has announced plans to develop railroad links to North Korea by the end of this year.

Speaking at the Liberation Day commemoration celebrations in Seoul, President Jae-in proposed creating a North-East Asian railroad community that would include the Korean peninsula, China, Mongolia, Russia, Japan and the US.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In this speech, President Jae-in said that the community will help to facilitate multilateral peace and security system in North-East Asia, reported media sources.

The announcement comes at a time when both the Korean countries have initiated a process of reconciliation following a meeting of the President Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in April.

“The South Korean Government intends to link the railroads and highways by the end of this year.”

Both leaders are again scheduled to meet in Pyongyang next month to advance peace talks and economic cooperation.

Since April, both the countries have exchanged views and conducted studies to connect the railway systems.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Once developed, the new railway connectivity will enable South Korea to support its exports to China, Russia and Europe through North Korea. It will also facilitate the import of Russian petroleum to South Korea.

The rail link is also expected to enhance the North Korean industry sector.

The South Korean Government intends to link the railroads and highways by the end of this year.

However, the date of commencement of services on the route is still unclear, primarily due to international sanctions on North Korea, reported The New York Times.

President Jae-in added that cross-border economic cooperation between North and South Korea can cross value of more than $149bn over the next 30 years.