Sinuiju

Sinuiju (신의주시) is in Pyongan province in North Korea.

Understand

Sinuiju is the main border city with China on the Yalu river (which marks the border). The large Chinese city of Dandong is literally within walking distance over the bridge. Given that it represents the main trading and transportation hub between the two countries it is relatively easy to observe.

Get in

Railway Station

1 Sinuiju Station is an important stop between Pyongyang and Beijing.

Entry is theoretically possible by foot over the 2 Sino-Korea Friendship Bridge from the Chinese border city of Dandong, although this option is mostly limited to Chinese citizens with appropriate visas.

A small 3 Airport exists that sometimes takes flights from Pyongyang. The airport in Dandong over the border will have a more reliable schedule and more accessible connections.

A way "to get into" North Korea without actually passing border controls is to take an excursion boat from the Chinese city of Dandong. These boats are apparently allowed within a few metres of the coastline as long as nobody actually gets off.

See

Park by the Friendship Bridge

• 1 Sinuiju Bridge. Bombed by the United States during the Korean War, only half of this bridge remains standing next to the newer friendship bridge. (updated Mar 2015)

Do

• 1 Ferris wheel. With 14 colourful gondolas in a small park with two smaller rides, this eerie ferris wheel, which is seldom if ever in operation, is an easy-to-spot landmark. (updated Mar 2015)

Sleep

• 1 Amnokgang Hotel. (updated Mar 2015)

Stay healthy

Water quality has a poor reputation, with residents apparently purchasing Chinese bottled water from across the border.

Go next

• Dandong on the Chinese side of the border