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Yalu River

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River
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Yalu River (North Korea)

Weather…

The Yalu River, known in Korea as the Amnok River, forms a major part of the international border between North Korea and China. Originating from the slopes of Mount Paektu at an elevation of 2,500 meters, it flows roughly 790 kilometers into the Korea Bay of the Yellow Sea. The river has been a site of strategic military significance throughout history, most notably during the Russo-Japanese War and the Korean War, when its bridges were targets of intense aerial bombardment. It is a critical source of hydroelectric power, with the Sup'ung Dam, constructed in 1941, being one of the largest in Asia at the time of its completion. The river also facilitates cross-border trade, primarily through the cities of Sinuiju in North Korea and Dandong in China, which are connected by the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge. Despite political tensions, the Yalu remains an essential economic corridor, providing water for agriculture and supporting various local industries. The surrounding landscape varies from rugged mountainous terrain in the upper reaches to fertile alluvial plains near the river's mouth.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-8-5181521242419112-6
Rain mm61820558511626125287544613

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access on the North Korean side is strictly controlled and usually limited to organized tours starting from Sinuiju. Travel often begins via the Friendship Bridge from Dandong in China.
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Best season
Late spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. Summer can be very humid, while winter along the river is often marked by extreme cold and biting icy winds.
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Terrain & paths
The riverbanks vary from paved embankments in Sinuiju to forested hillsides in remote sections. Direct access to the water is often heavily restricted for security and border control reasons.
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What to bring
Comfortable shoes for city walks and binoculars for viewing the opposite shore are recommended. Sun protection is important, as visitors often spend significant time outdoors on boat decks.
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Parking
Parking is assigned by state tour operators near major landmarks. Individual travelers rarely need to worry about parking, as transportation is almost always centrally organized by guides.
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Safety
Strictly observe the photography rules and the instructions of your guides. Keep your identification documents with you at all times and stay away from unauthorized border areas.
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Time needed
Sightseeing tours or boat trips usually last between 3 and 6 hours. This duration is sufficient to experience the main monuments in Sinuiju and the landscape along the international river.

Geography

Coordinates
40.10000, 124.30000

Facts

  • The river has a total length of approximately 790 kilometers.
  • It forms the international border between North Korea and China.
  • The Sup'ung Dam was completed in the year 1941.
  • The river originates from Mount Paektu at 2,500 meters altitude.
  • The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connects Sinuiju and Dandong.
  • The river was a major strategic front during the Korean War.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SinuijuSinuiju11 km · NExplore →
Chosan Bay CoastChosan Bay Coast29 km · NEExplore →
Korea Bay West CoastKorea Bay West Coast67 km · NEExplore →
SonchonSonchon71 km · NExplore →
Supung Hydroelectric PlantSupung Hydroelectric Plant78 km · NExplore →
Kusong Machine Tool FactoryKusong Machine Tool Factory104 km · NExplore →
JongjuJongju104 km · NExplore →
KusongKusong105 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Yalu River form the border?
It forms the majority of the border between North Korea and China in the northwest.
Can you see the river from China?
Yes, from the Chinese city of Dandong, there is a direct view of the Korean city of Sinuiju.
Is there a famous bridge over the Yalu?
The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connects Dandong with Sinuiju.
What is the 'Broken Bridge'?
A bridge destroyed during the Korean War, whose remains now serve as a historical monument.
How is the river used economically?
It is used for transportation, fishing, and generating hydroelectric power through dams.
Yalu River: where is it located?
Yalu River is located in North Korea.
Yalu River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Yalu River: why is it worth visiting?
The Yalu River, known in Korea as the Amnok River, forms a major part of the international border between North Korea and China.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Sinuiju — Yalu River (North Korea)
Sinuiju
Sinuiju lies on the Yalu River at the border with China and handles a large portion of North Korean-Chinese trade.
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Kusong
Kusong is located in the west of the country and has both military-strategic and industrial significance for the defense industry.
Jongju — Yalu River (North Korea)
Jongju
Jongju is an agricultural transport hub in North Pyongan province by the Yellow Sea.
Sonchon — Yalu River (North Korea)
Sonchon
Sonchon is located in the plain of North Pyongan province and is characterized by vast rice fields.

Nature

Chosan Bay Coast — Yalu River (North Korea)
Chosan Bay Coast
A coastal area on the Yellow Sea in North Pyongan province, with extensive tidal flats.
Korea Bay West Coast — Yalu River (North Korea)
Korea Bay West Coast
The northern part of North Korea's west coast, forming the Korea Bay, with numerous islands and estuaries.
Chongchon River — Yalu River (North Korea)
Chongchon River
A major river in the west of North Korea, flowing into the Yellow Sea.

More places

Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory — Yalu River (North Korea)
Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory
A well-known factory in Sinuiju that produces a range of cosmetics for the North Korean domestic market.
Supung Hydroelectric Plant — Yalu River (North Korea)
Supung Hydroelectric Plant
A large hydroelectric dam on the Yalu River, operated jointly with China, providing electricity to both nations.
Kusong Machine Tool Factory — Yalu River (North Korea)
Kusong Machine Tool Factory
An important factory in Kusong that specializes in producing machine tools for other industries.
Ryongmun Cave Park — Yalu River (North Korea)
Ryongmun Cave Park
A natural park surrounding an extensive karst cave system with impressive rock formations.
Pohyon Temple — Yalu River (North Korea)
Pohyon Temple
Pohyon Temple in the Myohyang Mountains is one of North Korea's most important Buddhist complexes.
International Friendship Exhibition — Yalu River (North Korea)
International Friendship Exhibition
A large museum complex in the Myohyang Mountains.
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Myohyang Mountains
A mountain range known for its mystical beauty and as one of Korea's most sacred places.