Russia has a huge territory just in front of Japan and not far from South Korea. Why is it that this region is not super developed/integrated with these economies?

by Karm_Me_up

I mean, how hard can it be to make some ports, build up some cities, get some high tech industry and start trading with Japan and SK?

I know it is not that easy. That is why Im asking.

thanks

kaisermatias

Vladivostok is the main port city on Russia's Pacific coast, and indeed does receive a lot of trade from Japan. A lot of Japanese cars are imported into the city, and most people driving use Japanese-style right-side drive, despite Russian roads being designed for left-side driving (meaning the Japanese drive on the left, like the UK, while Russia drives on the right, like the US). It is also a popular destination for tourists from China, Korea, and Japan, as it is the closest "European" city for them to visit.

Though honestly this type of question isn't really history-based, and more geopolitical or economic. Though looking back, trade between Russia and the Far East in the region dates back centuries, especially before the Trans-Siberian Railway was finished in 1916, finally connecting Vladivostok to Moscow.