As a designated “special city” in the DPRK, Rason holds strategic importance and significance for the country and offers visitors a unique and wonderful window into the country and its people.  Located in the northeastern corner of the country near the borders of China and Russia, Rason is the first special economic zone designated by the government, established in the early 1990s to promote economic growth through foreign investment.  Rason’s port, which has the benefit of being ice-free year round, has piers operated by China and Russia and gives the city strategic significance in the region and for the country.

Rason’s close proximity to China and Russia and its status as the first special economic zone give the city a special flavor distinct from any other area of the country.  With significant foreign investments in the region and many foreigners traveling in and out for both business and leisure, the city has a certain openness truly unique to the country while still maintaining and offering an authentic window into life in the country.

Tour guests to Rason are able to experience more meaningful interactions with everyday, local North Koreans and have more exposure to authentic, daily life.  Only in Rason can visitors first visit a local bank and exchange foreign currency into local North Korean currency and then head to the main market in town to shop, haggle, and mingle among a sea of locals, a highlight for many tour guests.  Visitors can also enjoy a bike ride along the coast – a Krahun exclusive – make kimchi or tofu the old-fashioned way with other locals, perform volunteer work planting rice or trees, spend time on our North Korean farm and help our local workers with their daily tasks, and visit other companies in the region.  Of course, Rason also offers a multitude of other experiences, from local beaches, hikes, performances, local food, and much more.