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 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.

1 day ago · It incorporates four nights in Rason and two nights in Yanji, China. The trip is being sold from €705 (£586) per person between February 12 and February 18, 2025.

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”.

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.

Rason is a national policy testing ground for the DPRK where it conducts economic field experiments such as a free market for local companies and farms (it is the only market in the DPRK that foreigners can legally visit).

Jun 18, 2021 · The Rason Special Economic Zone: Like nowhere else in North Korea The DPRK’s flirtation with capitalism has led to hotels, casinos, beaches and trade shows in one small area in the North Gareth Johnson June 18, 2021

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