North Korea Tightens Movement Control with Identity Checks for Railway Use

No Boarding Without "Gongminjeung"... Station Entry Also Restricted
Surveillance of Passenger Behavior... Daily Life Under Tight Control

In North Korea, it has been revealed that in order to board a train, citizens are required to carry not only a simple train ticket but also a "Gongminjeung"?an official identification card. This system, in which intercity movement is strictly controlled by the government, is interpreted as an attempt by the state to thoroughly monitor and manage the movement of its residents through railway usage.

Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. Photo by Yonhap News

On July 12, Yonhap News reported that Minju Choson, North Korea's state-run media outlet, disclosed key details of the newly enacted "Railway Passenger Transportation Law" in its June 22 issue. This law reveals the government's intention for stringent movement control, including guidelines for railway users' conduct and procedures for identity verification.

According to the law, "Passengers must carry necessary identification documents such as a Gongminjeung (citizen ID card)," and "Passengers without such documents are not permitted to travel on passenger trains." The purpose is to determine, through identity verification, whether a person is authorized to travel between specific regions.

Not only is train usage regulated, but even entry into train stations is strictly controlled. The law stipulates, "Citizens who wish to enter the railway station premises to greet or see off passengers must have a 'Nadeulpyo' (temporary entry pass), and must present it to a guide upon exit." In other words, anyone entering the station premises must be issued a separate temporary entry permit called a Nadeulpyo and must present it when entering and exiting.

These regulations are regarded as de facto extensive movement restrictions, as they structurally block voluntary movement by residents and make even intercity travel impossible without state approval.

The standards for baggage are also strict. Passengers are allowed to carry up to two pieces of luggage, with a maximum total weight of 20 kilograms, and each item must not exceed one meter in length. This is even more stringent than the baggage regulations of South Korean airlines.

Additionally, specific rules have been established to maintain order on trains. The law explicitly prohibits "holding drinking parties, eating parties, wearing clothing that does not conform to socialist lifestyle standards, singing songs that are not in our style, or dancing." This reflects the government's intention to guard against outside cultural influences even within transportation, allowing only behaviors that align with the regime's ideology.

The law instructs not only individual passengers but also institutions, enterprises, and organizations to take responsibility for educating and promoting "passenger etiquette."

This "Railway Passenger Transportation Law" is interpreted as a regulation that strongly reflects the state's intent to directly manage and supervise even the everyday movements of its residents, rather than simply aiming to improve the efficiency of railway operations.