![Officials attend a ground-breaking ceremony for a new road bridge spanning the Tumen River that will link North Korea to Russia in Rason Municipality, North Korea, on April 30, 2025, in this photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/0501-bridge.jpg)
North Korea and Russia have officially begun Tumen River bridge construction, a new infrastructure project aimed at strengthening cross-border ties and enhancing trade and logistics between the two countries.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new road bridge was held on April 30, with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attending virtually. From the North Korean side, Premier Pak Thae-song participated in the event.
Currently, the two countries are linked only by a railway bridge connecting Tumangang Station in North Korea with Khasan Station in Russia. The new automobile bridge, when completed, will be the first of its kind across the river.
Bridge to Expand Trade and Reduce Costs
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that the bridge is expected to support up to 300 vehicles and 2,850 people daily. Construction is slated to take 18 months, with completion targeted by the end of 2025.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Mishustin called the project “a big milestone for Russian-North Korean relations” and emphasized its significance in fostering “friendly neighborly relations” and boosting transregional cooperation.
Mishustin also expressed optimism that the bridge will lower transport costs, improve the stability of product supplies, and expand trade and tourism between the two countries.
Resource Development Opportunities on the Horizon
As the bridge project progresses, Russian business leaders are eyeing new opportunities in North Korea’s mineral sector.
Valentin Bogomolov, CEO of Siberian Financial Systems, told TASS that improved infrastructure could enable joint development of rare minerals, including magnesite and tungsten.
“According to various estimates, the total value of North Korea’s mineral resources could reach $3 trillion,” Bogomolov said. However, he noted that international sanctions continue to block North Korea’s ability to export rare earth metals, and the country lacks the resources and technology for efficient extraction.
He added that Russia, though rich in untapped minerals, faces logistical barriers in many remote areas—barriers that North Korea’s compact geography and low labor costs could help overcome.
Economic Cooperation Could Expand Beyond Mining
Bogomolov also suggested that bilateral cooperation could go beyond resource extraction. “For example, clothing could be manufactured in North Korea and exported to Russia, or simple machinery could be assembled there,” he said.
The bridge project stems from an agreement reached in June 2023, when North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty. The agreement included plans for expanded infrastructure and economic collaboration, with the bridge as a key component.
BY MOOYOUNG LEE [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]
