Daily NK - First Time in 56 Years, South-North Korea Trains Depart

▲ May 17th, the North Korean train crosses the truce line and arrives at Jejin Station in Gosong. ⓒ the DailyNK

For the first time in 56 years, a North Korean train crossed the Korean truce line, arriving at Jejin station, South Korea.

The railroad connecting the two countries, the East Sea line ceased operations at the brink of the Korean War in 1950. On May 17th, this 56 year gap was broken with a North Korean departing Geumgangsan Station at 11.30AM, passing through Gamho Station and the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) at 25.5km to arrive at the South Korea’s Jejin Station at 12.20PM.

The North Korean train displayed a plank which read, "North-South Railroad Test Operations 2007.5.17." The train displayed a noticeable sign which read, "A train embarked by our Dear Leader Kim Il Sung."

The North Korean train consisted of 6 carriages including 1 cockpit, 1 engine room and 4 passenger carriages where 100 South Koreans and 50 North Korean passengers awaited.

The train returned to North Korea re-crossing the MDL at 3.30PM.

▲ A North Korean train's vice-master who led the railroad test-run along the East Sea line. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ A North Korean train master joyfully shaking hands with the station master at Jejin Station. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ North Korean train masters participating in the historical railroad event. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ A North Korean soldier holding a signal flag at Geumgangsan Station. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ North Korean students waving as the train departs. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ North Korean students participating in the historical event. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ Geumgangsan Station where North Korean students wait enthusiastically. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ A North Korean train attendants ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ Geumgangsan Station in North Korea. ⓒ the DailyNK

▲ South Korea's Minister of Construction and Transportation, Lee Yong Sup and Kim Yong Sam, Minister for North Korea’s Railroad taking a commemorative photo at Jejin Station. ⓒ the DailyNK