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Rason
ℹ️Practical info — Rason
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rason is a Special Economic Zone; foreign currencies like the Chinese RMB or US Dollar are often accepted at markets.
- Expect a slightly different atmosphere compared to the rest of the country, influenced by cross-border trade with Russia and China.
- Ask your guide for a visit to the Rajin Market, one of the few places where foreigners might observe local commerce.
- Photography around the port and border areas is strictly regulated; always ask for permission before taking pictures.
🍽 Food
Try the fresh catch from the Sea of Japan at the restaurants near the Rajin port.
Enjoy grilled meats at the designated tourist restaurants in the city center.
A spicy and warming stew best found at coastal eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
One of the few markets where you can see local produce and imported goods from China.
Look for handmade souvenirs from the region at the official tourist shops.
A scenic retreat outside the city center, well-suited for a quiet walk by the water.
Stroll through the permitted zones and relax while watching the shipping activity.
Water temperature…
Rason, a combination of the names of the cities Rajin and Sonbong, is a special economic zone in the far northeast of North Korea. It borders both China and Russia and is strategically located. Rason was established in the early 1990s to attract foreign investment and test new economic models. The port of Rajin is North Korea's most important ice-free port and provides China and Russia with important access to the Sea of Japan. The zone has its own administration and laws that differ from those of the rest of the country to create a more investor-friendly environment. Despite the great ambitions, Rason's success has been mixed, but it remains an important experiment for North Korea's economic future and a crucial hub in regional trade.
- Location: North Korea
- Nearby: Hoeryong (61 km)
- Population: ~66.224 (2026)
Geography
Facts
- Special Economic Zone on the border with China and Russia.
- Combination of the cities Rajin and Sonbong.
- Home to the country's most important ice-free port (Rajin).
- Own laws to encourage foreign investment.
- Only place in North Korea where the ruble circulates freely.
- Important transit point for trade between China and Russia.
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Sights in the town Rason (1)
Frequently asked questions
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