Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1To visit North Korea, you need a passport, an invitation letter, and an entry permit from the police station. Family visits were also banned due to Covid. (1:43)
- Tip 2Before 2000, a 4-day trip to North Korea cost only 800 USD. It was cheap in the beginning. (2:40)
- Tip 3To visit family in North Korea, you need an invitation letter and an entry permit from the police station. (4:00)
- Tip 4In Dandong, North Korean cigars and banknotes are popular souvenirs. (5:52)
- Tip 5Sightseeing ferries allow a close look at Sinuiju, North Korea, as long as you don't get off the boat. (6:41)
- Tip 6Lingjiang has a nice night market with unique items like ginseng, various fruits, and local specialties. (15:08)
- Tip 7There are stories of North Koreans escaping to Russia and being repatriated in a cruel manner. (17:30)
- Tip 8In Changbai County, try the mini kiwi fruit, which is very smooth and delicious. (21:46)
Little Chinese Everywhere takes us on a captivating journey to the China-North Korea border, offering a unique perspective on this often-mysterious region. From Dandong, a city brimming with stories of cross-border interactions, to Changbai County, where the Korean influence is palpable, the video provides an intimate look into the lives of people living near the border. Witness firsthand accounts of North Korean workers in Dandong, explore bustling night markets, and discover the unique flora and fauna of this region. A must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the less-traveled paths of China and the intriguing borderland with North Korea.
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This travelogue follows Little Chinese Everywhere's exploration of the China-North Korea border region. The journey begins in Dandong, a city uniquely positioned on the border, where the traveler engages with locals who share their experiences and perspectives on North Korea. Conversations reveal the history of cross-border interactions, including family connections and economic realities. The video vividly portrays the contrast between Dandong's vibrant city life and the quieter, more mysterious atmosphere on the North Korean side of the Yalu River. Little Chinese Everywhere takes a boat trip offering a closer look at Sinuiju, North Korea, noting the unfinished buildings and sparse activity visible from the Chinese side. The journey continues to Lingjiang, another border city near North Korea's largest copper mine, where the traveler observes the organized layout of the North Korean town across the river. The video also highlights the unique local markets in Lingjiang, featuring ginseng and other local products, providing insights into the daily lives of residents in this border region. Further north, in Changbai County, the traveler finds a stronger Korean cultural influence, reflected in the bilingual signage and local cuisine. The narrative is interspersed with poignant stories from locals, including accounts of North Koreans who once crossed the border more freely and the challenges they now face. Little Chinese Everywhere's observations of the border region are rich with detail, revealing the complex history and unique cultural blend of this area. The video concludes with a glimpse of Changbai Mountain, a significant landmark for both North and South Korea, setting the stage for future explorations in the region. Throughout, the video emphasizes the contrasts between the two sides of the border, the historical context of the relationship, and the personal stories that make this region so compelling. The traveler's encounters with local people and their candid conversations provide a rare and insightful look into the lives of those living near this fascinating, yet often inaccessible, border.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is the situation like for North Koreans working in Dandong?
- A: Many North Koreans work in Dandong restaurants. They are selected by the government, have university degrees, and pay a large portion of their income to the government.
- Q: How easy is it to visit North Korea from Dandong?
- A: Before Covid, it was easy to join group tours to North Korea via the bridge connecting Dandong and Sinuiju. Now, it's much more difficult, and only possible to view from the bridge.
- Q: What are some unique foods found in the border region?
- A: I tried Korean cold noodles, ginseng, various fruits, and even cicada pupae, which is a high-protein food in Shandong province.
- Q: What is the atmosphere like on the North Korean side of the border?
- A: The North Korean side is much quieter and darker than Dandong at night. Many buildings are unfinished, and there's less visible activity.
- Q: What did you learn about the history of the bridges connecting Dandong and Sinuiju?
- A: The bridges were built by the Japanese Empire in the early 20th century and have witnessed significant political changes, including the Korean War.
