Rason (formerly Rajin-Sŏnbong; Korean pronunciation: [ɾa.sʌ̹n, ɾa.dʑin.sʰʌ̹n.boŋ]) is a North Korean special city and ice-free port [3] in the Sea of Japan in the North Pacific Ocean on the northeast tip of North Korea. It is in the Kwanbuk region and location of the Rason Special Economic Zone.

The Rason Special Economic Zone, earlier called the Rajin-Sonbong Economic Special Zone, [1] was established by the North Korean government at Rason, bordering China and Russia, in 1991 to promote economic growth through foreign investment. [2]

Rason is a combined city of the former cities of Rajin (라진구역) and Sonbong (선봉군) with an approximate population of 195,000. It has a special 'free trade' designation at the corner of both China and Russia which allows for easier foreign investment.

Rason is the kind of place that is rarely visited on a first trip to North Korea and, while it lacks the razzmatazz of Pyongyang, it makes for a superb return trip to the DPRK, or as we like to say “the other North Korea”.

May 20, 2020 · Rason is famous for being the first, and largest, of North Korea’s special economic zones. Situated in the far northeast of the country, the only part of North Korea that borders both Russia and China ( Jilin Province ), it is one of North Korea's least visited areas, and more logistically difficult to access than other areas in North Korea.

Jan 16, 2025 · Visitors in Rason can discover factories, the bustling port, a language institute, a taekwondo training center, and even a local bank. It’s also the only place where foreigners can visit a local market: a rare chance to experience day-to-day life in North Korea first hand.

Rason is a national policy testing ground for the DPRK where it conducts economic field experiments such as a free market for local companies and farms (it is the only market in the DPRK that foreigners can legally visit).

Aug 14, 2019 · How to travel to North Korea’s special economic zone, Rason, from Beijing, China, and everything you need to know about visiting, including visas.

Dec 16, 2014 · Ruediger Frank offers a unique account of North Korea's Rason Special Economic Zone as it operates today.

Rajin-Sonbong - follow KTG on our two day adventure in this special economic zone of North Korea called Rason bordering Russia & China. Located in the far northeast we arrive here after a 30 hour train ride from Pyongyang!