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]

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 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”.

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.

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 17, 2025 · What the Rason? The Rason Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a fascinating chapter in North Korea’s cautious flirtation with market reform. Established in 1991, it was one of the country’s first attempts to create a space for foreign investment and international trade.

1 day ago · Rason is a Special Economic Zone that sits close to both the Chinese and Russian borders in the far northeast. Here, new economic and social policies including the first mobile phone network and ...

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

Feb 1, 2024 · Some of the main landmarks and attractions to see in Rason are the Juche Tower, Rason International Trade Exhibition Hall, Pipha Islet, Rajin Port, Tonghung Hill Revolutionary Site, and the Golden Triangle Bank.