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 principally made up of the two towns of Rajin and Sonbong, who in combination make up the special city of Rason. It is located on the Tumen River and borders both Russia and China, a prime reason for it being designated a Special Economic Zone.

23 minutes ago · North Korea is tentatively reopening its country to tourism following the closure of its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. ... is offering four nights in Rason and two nights in Yanji ...

1 day ago · The latest tour promises to take tourists to the “must-see sites in Rason,” which is known as North Korea’s special economic zone. The city has operated differently from the rest of the ...

Jan 16, 2025 · Rason North Korea opens to tourism. Rason Special Economic Zone will be the first area open to tourists since closure in January 2020. There has been news that Rason, located in the northeast of North Korea, has officially opened for tourism.

Jan 16, 2025 · Exciting news for adventurous travellers: North Korea has officially reopened tourism in Rason. Rason is in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in the northeast of the country. This reopening officially takes effect today, marking a …

1 day ago · After more than five years of strict border closures, North Korea has reopened limited access to foreign tourists, but only to the remote city of Rason. This special economic zone, located near China and Russia, is one of the country’s least-visited areas and is now set to welcome international travelers for an exclusive guided tour.

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.

Since the opening of Rason, North Korea has opened an estimated 27 SEZs. These SEZs can largely be divided into two groups. The first group of SEZs include those established prior to Kim Jong Un coming to power in 2012 and were developed with the cooperation of …