
The city of Dandong lies on the border of China and North Korea separated by the 900-meter wide Yalu River. Taking the China-North Korea Friendship Bridge would take you right into Sinuiju, North Korea, if you have the right permission.
However, word has it that there’s a place upstream of the Yalu where it is only three or four meters across. The place is known as Yibu Kua (“a step across”) due to the fact that one could easily step into the other country by walking across the stones in the river. RocketNews24‘s Kuzo went to check it out.
Our reporter was driven for about 30 minutes outside of urban Dandong to Yibu Kua near the end of the Great Wall of China, one of the major tourist attractions of the area.
Approaching his destination Kuzo found the area to be quiet and lonely with some people selling Chinese chestnuts and souvenirs on the side of the road. A path was made overlooking North Korea that you could walk along to a point.
During his stroll Kuzo came across a pair of binoculars with a sign reading “2 RMB (US$0.32) per person.” Looking through them, Kuzo could see a group of North Korean soldiers guarding the border.
From what he could see the three men were very young; in their teens or early 20s. They were going in and out of their guard box as you might expect on a cold day like that was.
As Kuzo returned home he could feel assured that not only Yibu Kua exists but that even in spite of all North Korea’s proclamations of war, border patrol is universally boring.
Original Article by Kuzo
[ Read in Japanese ]
















North Korea’s High Class International Hotel! Our Reporter Mustered Up His Courage and Checked it Out First Hand.
Conditions in North Korea so bad even the wildlife are making a break for it 【Video】
Our Reporter’s Top 10 Awesome Things About North Korea
North Korea Discovers “Unicorn Nest”, Proves to Kids that it’s OK to Dream Big
70% of South Koreans will donate to fund for unity with North, want US and China to cough up too
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Woman charged for driving suitcase without a license in Osaka
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Nara deer shikadamari phenomenon continues to baffle visitors at Nara park
Step back in time with Japanese-themed rooms at rare vintage love hotel in Osaka【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply