IN LATE-November a special inspection train operated by South Korean national operator Korail entered North Korea and carried out infrastructure inspections in co-operation with North Korean Railways on two main north-south routes.

The train was run under special dispensation from the United Nations as importing diesel fuel to North Korea is currently prohibited by sanctions.

The train had its own 55,000-litre diesel tank wagon, and was required to take any unused fuel back to South Korea after the 2,600km trip on December 17.

The inspection trip started on the 400km northern section of the Gyeongui Line, running along the western side of the Korean Peninsula from Kaesŏng to Sinuiji.

The Gyeongui Line was originally built by Japanese occupation forces and opened in 1906 connecting Seoul with the Chinese border at Sinuiji.

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