The Dandong-Sinuiju Bridge, also known as the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, is a significant gateway between China and North Korea over the Yalu River. Tourists can embark on guided tours that are often organized by tour companies specializing in North Korean travel. During the excursion, visitors will glean insights about the history and significance of this bridge, which has served as one of the few conduits for trade and transportation between the two nations. The tour will also provide opportunities to observe the daily life of North Koreans living near the border and capture the stark contrasts between the bustling Chinese side and the more subdued North Korean atmosphere. Typically, tourists will remain on the Chinese side due to the complications associated with gaining entry into North Korea. The duration of this activity may vary, but usually takes about an hour, encompassing the walk across the bridge and the return journey.
Sinuiju is well-known for its local cosmetics industry, which proudly produces the Pomhyanggi brand. This is a unique opportunity to visit one of North Korea's more successful commercial enterprises. Visitors on this tour usually get to see the various stages of the manufacturing process, from mixing and molding to packaging. The guided tour often includes detailed narratives about the industry and the opportunity to purchase products on-site. Please note, the factories may not be operating during all tours, and photography may be restricted. Due to the logistical complexity of arranging tours inside North Korea and the necessity of obtaining official permission, such tours may take half a day.
The Sinuiju Fine Arts Museum is a premier cultural institution in North Korea, home to a rich collection of traditional Korean paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures. For those interested in the arts, a tour of this museum offers a deeply engaging look at North Korean ideology and aesthetics through artwork. Many pieces depict revolutionary themes, idyllic landscapes, or stories from North Korean folklore and history. Visitors should anticipate spending a couple of hours delving into the country's propagandistic and artistic heritage, with local guides providing context and explanations of the works displayed. Due to the meticulous planning required for travel within North Korea, museum tours are usually a part of a more comprehensive travel itinerary.
Ponbu Kindergarten is famous for the incredible performances conducted by its young students. These shows are a spectacle of song, dance, and instrumentals showcasing the talents that are cultivated from an early age in North Korea. The children's precise and highly-disciplined performances reflect the state's emphasis on artistic proficiency and are also used to promote national ideology. The performances can range from heartwarming to quite outstanding, but they also raise questions about the pressure and rigorous training that these young children undergo. A visit to Ponbu Kindergarten for a performance typically lasts about an hour and provides a unique glimpse into the lives of North Korea’s youngest citizens as well as the educational environment they are raised in.
A guided city tour of Sinuiju offers an uncommon look into one of North Korea's border cities, where visitors can see various monuments, public squares, and potentially interact with locals. One highlight is often a visit to the statue of Kim Il Sung, a staple in North Korean towns. Tours may also include a walk through the Central Square, visits to local markets, and glimpses of everyday life. This guided tour is an excellent way for travelers to get acquainted with North Korean city life, architecture, and social customs under the careful supervision of government-approved tour guides. Such tours can range from a few hours to a full day and usually necessitate joining a larger travel group due to the restrictions on independent movement within the country.
The DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Film Studio, located near Sinuiju, is a massive complex where North Korean movies are produced. The studio doubles as a sort of theme park where visitors can see the sets of traditional Korean villages, European-style towns, and even a mock-up of the South Korean presidential palace. The level of detail in the sets is impressive and makes for an intriguing exploration of the North Korean film industry. Tours are generally narrated by local guides who provide insights into the movies produced and the ideological narrative they're designed to support. Visitors should expect to spend several hours at the studio, as it offers a chance to glimpse how the North Korean state attempts to shape and project its image both domestically and internationally.
For those who wish to see the natural landscape surrounding Sinuiju, a boat ride on the Amnok River, known as the Yalu River in Chinese, can be a serene experience. These tours allow visitors to observe the riverside scenery and gain a new perspective on life along the river that forms the border between North Korea and China. The boat tours are especially popular in the warmer months and provide rare opportunities for photography, although restrictions apply. A ride can vary in length depending on the tour operator, but most last about an hour. Since tourism in North Korea is strictly controlled, this activity is often part of a larger organized tour package, and independent arrangements are generally not possible.
