Sinuiju

Sinuiju

Sinuiju faces Dandong across the river. Standing on the Yalu River Bridge from this side and gazing at the motherland on the opposite bank, you may feel disoriented, not quite sure where you are — it’s truly a surreal experience. It is a border city in northwestern North Korea and the capital of North Pyongan Province. The urban population is around 200,000. Located on the alluvial plain on the left bank of the lower Yalu River, it is about 40 kilometers from the Yalu River estuary. A large iron bridge spanning 944 meters connects it to Dandong City in China's Liaoning Province across the river. It serves as a trade port and open harbor between North Korea and China. Originally a small village, it was developed as a river port in 1910. After being designated as the provincial capital in 1924, it grew rapidly. Due to the logs floated down from inland forests, pulp and paper mills were established here. Following the completion of the Shuifeng Reservoir upstream on the Yalu River, the chemical industry also developed. The textile industry has been a focus of growth. In the southern part, there are woolen mills and rubber factories, both relying on imported raw materials. It is one of the country’s key centers for light industry. Rice is widely cultivated in the suburbs. Air routes, electrified railways, and highways connect it to Pyongyang. The railway leads to Dandong in China and, via the China-Changchun Railway, links up with the Trans-Siberian Railway. The outer port of Ryongamp'o has a shipyard. Institutions such as the Light Industry University and Teachers' University are also located here.