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On June 23, 2015, I took a plane for a business trip without knowing
my destination. It is only during a 5 hours ride from Shenyang
airport I Google'd my destination of Ji'an (集安) that I realize I was
actually heading toward North Korea! Precisely, the Chinese border with
Manpo, Chagang Province, North Korea. I immediate responded in
thrills and excitement. The only distance separating me with
North Korea is the following Yalu River.
In 3 AD, the kingdom of Goguryeo set its capital here in Ji'an for
over 400 years, in which Goguryeo was one of the Three Kingdoms of
Korea. As a result of this significance, Ji'an city and the tomb of
Goguryeo royals are now UNESCO world heritage.
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As the border is at the mountain ridge, I didn't see much of an
actual North Korea city/town.
According to the local Chinese, we can simply register our Chinese
identification card at the Chinese border for a day tour to North
Korea. No passport is needed as an existence of the North Korea
stamp would prohibit attainment of a U.S visa. However, a tour would
be accompanied by a North Korea official whom would restrict freedom
of exploration, including taking pictures.
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To get closer, I was opting for a ride on the border. Here the
left side is China and the right is North Korea. |
Too bad the water was shallow on that day, or else can boat to a
North Korea high school for a real North Korean encounter. |
During the winter season, the river freezes and people can illegally
walk across to either side. The local Chinese told me that everyday
there is North Koreans sneak away to China. In
winter, North Korean may come to Ji'an to steal food. But for sake
of sympathy, the Chinese and police would have their eyes closed as
the North Koreans may have staved for weeks... |
Local North Korea farm village |
The hills have been bald for 6 six years without plant replenishment |
First site of North Koreans in North Korea. They are actually taller
than I thought |
Some other North Koreans on their national highway |
The pier for crossing to North Korea. Actually there are several
bridges for crossing too. |
Steel factory for manufacturing of bullet heads. However, it
terminated production in early 2015 |
The Paektu
Mountain (长白山) region is famous ginseng, so that
what my business trip was about. The left box is forest grown
ginseng (slimmer) and the right is in-house grown ginseng. I learned
quite allot here too. |
Korean style barbeque with my client, lawyer, auditor and my junior.
What a feast. Never really thought of visiting North Korea (area) in
my life. Thanks my client for this special trip. =) |