The closest you can get to a mysterious land: ordinary people stand at the China–North Korea border

▲ Ordinary tourists can also stand at the China–North Korea border.

Reported and photographed by Jiayun Yu / China Jilin

“North Korea” is an extremely mysterious and unfamiliar country to most people around the world. Due to its unique political factors, very few people get the chance to set foot on North Korean soil in their lifetime, which only adds to the intrigue. In Tumen City, Jilin Province, China — near North Korea — visitors can not only gaze across the Tumen River at the North Korean territory but also walk onto the Tumen River Bridge and stand at the China–North Korea border, experiencing “the closest distance to North Korea.”

▲ Ordinary tourists are not allowed to take photos of North Korea from within China.

Tumen City is a county-level city in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China. Its location sits just above North Korea, bordering Onsong County in North Hamgyong Province. Between Yanbian and North Korea lies the Tumen River, and the place to get up close is the Tumen River Bridge that spans the two riverbanks. Built in 1941, the Tumen River Bridge stretches 536.2 meters in length, with border checkpoints on both sides. Tour guides report that the bridge is usually only used for commercial trucks traveling between the two areas. Additionally, taking photos toward North Korea is not allowed before passing through the Chinese port side.

▲ Crossing the marked line on the ground means you’re on North Korean soil.

▲ The frozen Tumen River in winter.

Under normal conditions unaffected by political factors, the Tumen River Bridge is open to tourists for visits upon purchasing a 25-yuan ticket. Walking onto the bridge, the view opens up to North Korean territory. Though apart from a few uninhabited colorful buildings and mountains, there isn’t much sign of urban life, standing at the border between China and North Korea is still well worth photographing.

▲ Gazing at North Korea from the bridge.

▲ Uninhabited empty buildings.

▲ China’s border checkpoint.

With nearly 40% of the population in Yanbian being ethnic Koreans, the area is filled with Korean signs, billboards, and labels almost everywhere you look. It’s also a hub for Korean cuisine. Kimchi (a dish nearly every Korean household makes), the region’s signature millet wine, sweet and sour pork, and braised Alaska pollock are all classic Korean flavors and must-try local delicacies when visiting Yanbian.

▲ Sweet and sour-style sweet and sour pork.

▲ Appetizing Alaska pollock.

▲ Kimchi is a staple Korean dish.