North Koreans on the Yalu River

This picture was taken in 2008 in on the Yalu River in Dandong, China. The boat is flying the North Korean colors and appears to be manned by a few soldiers near the bow. Dandong and the North Korean city of Sinuiju are separated only by the Yalu River. One of the main attractions of Dandong is the ability to get close to North Korea. We took a speed boat along the river and near the North Korean shore for 70 yuan or about 11 USD. Also available in Dandong are pictures, posters, pins, and stamps featuring Kim Jong-Il and his father Kim Il-sung.

Skating the Great Wall

This photo was taken in 2008 at the Great Wall of China in Dandong, China. The skater in this photo is my friend, Stephen Kovaz. The Great Wall or Chang Cheng, as it is called in Chinese was originally erected to protect China from unwanted visitors and nomadic hordes. Including all of it's branches, the Great Wall is 5500 miles in length and contrary to popular belief is not easily visible from space. The construction of the Great Wall started in 5th century B.C. and various emperors added to the wall until around 1620.

Dangerously Close to North Korea

This photo was taken in 2008 in a creek that forms part of the border between North Korea and China. The Chinese city of Dandong is separated from the North Korean city of Sinuiju by the Yalu River. This creek is patrolled by guards from both countries and if you get too close to the North Korean shore, the Chinese guards take your picture and you can face consequences.