A new road bridge linking Russia and North Korea has been completed, with officials hailing the joining of its two halves as a 'landmark stage'. The bridge is expected to open as early as June, according to multiple reports.
The bridge, known as the Khasan-Tumangang bridge, spans the Tumen River on the remote Far Eastern border. Construction took just over a year and cost around 9 billion rubles (roughly £89 million). The two-lane structure stretches just over 0.6 miles (1 km) and connects the Russian settlement of Khasan with Tumangang in North Korea.
goes far beyond a purely engineering task
The bridge is designed to handle up to 300 vehicles and nearly 3,000 people per day. It is located about 1,360 ft east of the existing Korea–Russia Friendship Bridge. Built on concrete piers with steel spans, the road deck is approximately 23 ft wide. The project includes a new approach road of about 1.5 miles around Khasan. Full border checkpoints are being constructed at either end of the bridge. The bridge connects to Russia's highway network, reducing travel times between key regional hubs.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said the bridge's significance 'goes far beyond a purely engineering task' and that it will serve as a vital artery for 'trade, economic and humanitarian exchanges'. Russia and North Korea signed a defence pact in 2024. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the two countries have rapidly expanded their political, cultural and military cooperation. Construction of the bridge was agreed during Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea in 2024. Both sides presented the bridge as a symbol of growing strategic cooperation.
trade, economic and humanitarian exchanges
The exact opening date of the bridge has not been confirmed, and the current status of the border checkpoints remains unclear. It is also unknown how the bridge will affect trade volumes between Russia and North Korea, or what the reaction of neighboring countries such as China and South Korea will be.