Passenger train services connecting China's Jilin Province and North Korea's Chagang Province have resumed early last month for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, US-based North Korea-focused media outlet NK News reported on the 13th (local time).

According to a notice from the Shenyang Railway Bureau under the China State Railway Group, trains crossing the Amnok River to connect the border city of Ji'an in China's Jilin Province and Manpho in North Korea's Chagang Province are currently operating round-trips once every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The train consists of only two cars—one passenger car and one baggage car—and takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a one-way trip of approximately 11.1 kilometers.

NK News reported that the train from Ji'an to Manpho departs at 8:23 AM and arrives at Manpho Youth Station in Manpho City, Chagang Province, North Korea, at 8:53 AM. The return train departs Manpho at 3:36 PM and arrives at Ji'an Station at 3:59 PM.

Chinese railway authorities completely suspended operations on this route in January 2020 when North Korea closed its borders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Later, footage appearing to show a test run was posted on Chinese social media on April 9.

While regular operations on this route were initially scheduled to begin on April 20, actual operations were reportedly delayed until early last month.

The reason for the delay in resuming operations remains unclear, and NK News reported that the train route currently appears to be operated by Chinese crew members.

Operation of the Ji'an-Manpho train service is managed by China in even-numbered years and by North Korea in odd-numbered years.

(Photo: Yonhap News)