Dandong is a Chinese city and the locus for trade, both legal and illicit, between China and North Korea. It’s also a place for family members to meet, and exchange goods and remittances, especially at times when the border is less monitored. Centuries ago it was arguably part of the Korean Koryo dynasty. At the end of the dynasty in the 14 century, the Yalu River became the Chinese and Korean border. As such, many ethnic Koreans have lived there for generations and speak the local language.
At the end of 2017, the UN cracked down with sanctions against Pyongyang in an attempt to halt its weapons program, and Beijing followed suit. During this time I attempted to document what was still everyday life for many along one of the most scrutinized borders in the world.
National Geographic: Life On China-North Korea Border
WIRED: A Glimpse of China's Border with North Korea
VICE: Chinese Swimming Club on North Korean Border
At the end of 2017, the UN cracked down with sanctions against Pyongyang in an attempt to halt its weapons program, and Beijing followed suit. During this time I attempted to document what was still everyday life for many along one of the most scrutinized borders in the world.
National Geographic: Life On China-North Korea Border
WIRED: A Glimpse of China's Border with North Korea
VICE: Chinese Swimming Club on North Korean Border