Russia and North Korea open first road bridge linking the two countries

Russia and North Korea have opened the first road bridge connecting the two countries. The bridge crosses the Tumyen River, part of the border between them, and measures about one kilometer in length with two traffic lanes.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song took part in the opening ceremony remotely, according to Current Time. The bridge is named after Yakov Novichenko, a Red Army officer who in 1946 shielded North Korean leader Kim Il Sung with his body during a Pyongyang rally, protecting him from a grenade. Novichenko survived and later received the title of Hero of Labor of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The Russian and North Korean governments say the crossing is intended to develop trade and tourism. Until now, the Friendship Bridge railway crossing had been the only land connection between the countries.

Construction began on April 30, 2025. The two sides signed the construction agreement in June 2024 during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea. Ukrinform, citing earlier media reports, said the bridge could also be used to transport military cargo intended for Russia’s war against Ukraine.