Rason

Located at the northeastern tip of North Korea, Rason functions as a strategic port city bordering both China and Russia with three separate harbor facilities.

The city changed from Japanese control to Soviet administration in 1945, later becoming North Korea's first special economic zone in 1991 to attract foreign investment.

Rason maintains North Korea's only legal market where international visitors can engage in direct trading activities with local merchants through a permit system.

Visitors need a specific entry permit instead of a standard North Korean visa, with Chinese Renminbi serving as the primary currency for transactions.

The northern-most ice-free port in Northeast Asia contains a casino targeting Chinese tourists and allows United States citizens to access its train system.

Location: North Korea

Elevation above the sea: 27 m

Shares border with: Primorsky Krai

GPS coordinates: 42.24973,130.31133

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:35