A JOURNEY ALONG NORTH KOREA'S EDGE

The Cold Frontier

A REUTERS SPECIAL REPORT

China’s border with North Korea is one of the few ways for outsiders to see life in the world’s most isolated country. As photographer Damir Sagolj and reporter Sue-Lin Wong discovered on a week-long drive along the Chinese side, it also reveals how people on both sides connect to each other.

A Porous Border

In our week-long drive, security was tight - we often couldn't stay to chat before nervous police moved us on. But people told us they have interacted for years with North Koreans across the river. Full Story

Bright Lights, Dark Villages

People in northeastern China are among its poorest. But they are now far wealthier than their neighbours. Full Story

Dreams of Gold

Not far from Linjiang, people in thin, head-to-toe rubber suits were diving in the frigid Yalu River. Locals said they were part of North Korea's smuggling operations. Full Story

A 'Human Zoo'

“Take a trip down memory lane, see what China was like in the 1970s,” said a boat ticket vendor. In the Chinese city of Dandong, North Korea is pervasive. Full Story

Those Who Left

Most North Koreans who break out do so by crossing the river border. Meet some of those who made it to Seoul. Full Story

The Reporters’ Stories

Secret sites

Sue-Lin Wong

Seeing in the dark

Damir Sagolj