Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Visit the broken bridge connecting Dandong to Sinuiju in North Korea. Observe the contrast between the two sides and the curious atmosphere. (2:37)
- Tip 2Explore the markets along the river where items smuggled from North Korea are sold. You might find unique souvenirs and learn about cross-border trade. (6:16)
- Tip 3Venture into Dandong's secondhand markets for a glimpse into the city's unique blend of Chinese and North Korean influences. Look for vintage items and North Korean artwork. (12:09)
- Tip 4Visit New Dandong, a planned district that remains largely abandoned, highlighting the failed economic hopes between China and North Korea. (14:00)
- Tip 5Explore the section of the Great Wall of China near Dandong. It offers a unique perspective on the wall's history and its proximity to the North Korean border. (18:10)
Drew Binsky's journey to Dandong, a Chinese border city, offers a unique perspective on life near the North Korean border. He explores the city, interacts with locals, and even buys North Korean goods. The video captures the tension and intrigue of this unusual place, where Chinese and North Korean cultures intertwine. Drew's experience highlights the mystery and isolation of North Korea, contrasting the vibrant life of Dandong with the unseen world across the river.
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This video documents Drew Binsky's journey to Dandong, China, a city on the border of North Korea. Drew, having been previously to Pyongyang, is fascinated by North Korea and seeks to understand the dynamics of life in a city so close to this secretive nation. He finds Dandong to be a surprisingly modern city, yet also heavily militarized, with an abundance of CCTV cameras and a palpable sense of surveillance.
Drew's exploration takes him to the broken bridge, a symbolic landmark connecting Dandong to the North Korean town of Sinuiju. He observes Chinese tourists as curious as he is about the border, and notes the stark contrast between the bustling Chinese side and the seemingly quieter North Korean side. He even interacts with North Korean refugees and learns about their experiences escaping across the river.
Drew's interactions with locals reveal a mix of curiosity and caution regarding North Korea. He encounters people who have crossed the border, and those who have not, each offering a different perspective. A particularly tense moment occurs when an undercover officer demands Drew delete his footage, highlighting the sensitive nature of filming in this area.
Beyond the border, Drew explores Dandong's markets, discovering North Korean goods like currency and paintings. He visits a seemingly abandoned new district, a testament to failed economic hopes between the two countries. His conversations with locals, including a bar owner named Daniel, provide insights into the daily lives of people living in such close proximity to North Korea. The video concludes with Drew visiting a section of the Great Wall of China near the border, emphasizing the historical and geographical context of the North Korea-China relationship. Throughout, Drew's personal observations and emotional responses add a layer of authenticity and human interest to his exploration of this unique border city. His experience in Dandong serves as a compelling narrative about a place where two vastly different worlds meet.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was it like interacting with North Koreans in Dandong?
- A: It was difficult. Most ignored us, but a few encounters were made, though the language barrier was a challenge. One time, an undercover cop made me delete some footage, which was pretty scary.
- Q: What's the most surprising thing you found in Dandong?
- A: Probably the sheer number of CCTV cameras everywhere, and how close the Great Wall is to the North Korean border. Also, finding North Korean goods in the markets was unexpected.
- Q: What did you think of Dandong overall?
- A: It's a really unique city. It's a mix of modern and run-down areas, with a constant feeling of being watched. But it's also fascinating to see how Chinese and North Korean cultures blend here.
