First ferry service between Russia and North Korea starts

The first cargo-passenger ferry service between Russia and North Korea was completed on Thursday.

The Man Gyong Bong ferry, which includes a restaurant, two fully-stocked bars, a karaoke club and sauna facilities, left the port of Rajin in Rason, North Korea, on Wednesday, arrived in Russia's eastern Vladivostok city at 8 a m local time Thursday, according to Russian state news agency TASS.

The trip marks the beginning of a once-weekly regular cargo-passenger service, TASS added.

An estimated 40 passengers boarded the boat for the maiden voyage.

Mikhail Khmel, deputy director general of Investstroytrest, which owns RosKor, the ferry's operator, was quoted, as saying "These are Russian citizens, who are returning from North Korea, and tourists from China."

CNN quoted Khmel as further saying that the vessel will undertake a return sail on May 19 (Friday).

The company expects most of its passengers to be Chinese tourists, who will be able to visit both Russia's Primorye region and North Korea in one trip.