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We Stepped Into North Korea / China Forbidden Border Town
We travelled to the edge of China — a place few outsiders ever see.
Across the river lies North Korea, and in between… a world that feels frozen in time.
What we found here was nothing like we expected.
This is Dandong, the city that sits on the front line between two worlds.
Join us as we step...
This video follows travel couple Ben and Rian as they explore the China-North Korea border in Dandong. After a grueling hike up the steep, original section of the Great Wall of China to its eastern end, they enjoy a rare vantage point overlooking North Korea. The couple navigates local transport, visits the famous Broken Bridge, and takes a Yalu River cruise for an intimate look at the other side. They experience local reactions—from a wave to a wall of silence—and feast on northeastern Chinese and North Korean dishes, finally crossing a North Korean beer off their bucket list. The editor highlights the surreal contrast between China's modern high-rises and North Korea's rustic dockyards, and the personal, emotional weight of standing at the doorstep of one of the world's most isolated nations.
At the China-North Korea border, Ben and Rian experience a surreal divide. From hiking the steep, original Great Wall of China to cruising the Yalu River, they witness two worlds separated by a river. Despite missed waves and translation mix-ups, they enjoy local food, a North Korean beer, and the rare chance to see inside one of the world's most isolated nations. An unforgettable look at a forbidden border.
At the China-North Korea border, Ben and Rian hike the Great Wall, cruise the Yalu River, and get a rare glimpse into daily life on both sides.
China North Korea Border: Great Wall End & Yalu River Cruise
0:49 Hike the Great Wall of China to its easternmost point—it's steeper and more original than Beijing's sections, but offers incredible views of North Korea.
15:56 Visit the Broken Bridge to get the closest land-based view of North Korea; it costs 30 yuan and is a key historic site from the Korean War.
19:34 Take a Yalu River boat cruise—pre-book via Trip.com for a QR ticket. The ride offers the most intimate look at North Korean daily life from the water.
27:10 Try a local restaurant that specializes in both northeastern Chinese and North Korean dishes—a perfect way to taste the region's unique culinary blend.
0:49 Hike the Great Wall of China to its easternmost point—it's steeper and more original than Beijing's sections, but offers incredible views of North Korea.
15:56 Visit the Broken Bridge to get the closest land-based view of North Korea; it costs 30 yuan and is a key historic site from the Korean War.
19:34 Take a Yalu River boat cruise—pre-book via Trip.com for a QR ticket. The ride offers the most intimate look at North Korean daily life from the water.
27:10 Try a local restaurant that specializes in both northeastern Chinese and North Korean dishes—a perfect way to taste the region's unique culinary blend.
0:00 View of North Korea from Great Wall
7:01 Reaching the end of Great Wall
13:50 Arriving at Friendship Bridge
15:56 Exploring the Broken Bridge
17:27 Closest point to North Korea
19:34 Starting the river cruise
24:14 Boat reaches North Korean dockyard
27:10 Northeastern and North Korean meal
34:44 Planning the next destination
0:00 View of North Korea from Great Wall
7:01 Reaching the end of Great Wall
13:50 Arriving at Friendship Bridge
15:56 Exploring the Broken Bridge
17:27 Closest point to North Korea
19:34 Starting the river cruise
24:14 Boat reaches North Korean dockyard
27:10 Northeastern and North Korean meal
34:44 Planning the next destination
on tour with dridgers#otwddandongnorth korea borderdprk tradechina border citysinuijusino-korean friendship bridgesmugglingborder securityforced labor dprkyalu riverinside north korea中國中國旅遊travel in chinachina north korea borderchina tradechina trade with north koreachina infrastructuredridgersreanne and benWhat was the most surprising thing about the border?
Two sides of one river living completely different lives—China is super built up with high-rises, while North Korea looks very rural with rundown buildings and dockyards.
Can you wave to people on the North Korean side?
We tried, but nobody waved back. A few looked at us, but they either weren't allowed or just didn't respond.
What was the food like at the local restaurant?
We had a whole baby chicken soup stuffed with rice and tons of side dishes—it was unreal! Also tried baijiu and finally got a North Korean beer.
