Transport · Cross-Border · North Korea
Dandong to Pyongyang — Restricted Access (Organised Tours Only)
The Dandong to Pyongyang crossing via the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge is the primary entry point to North Korea. Foreign nationals can only enter North Korea as part of an officially approved group tour — independent travel is not permitted.
Route & practicalities
Dandong (丹东) in Liaoning province sits on the Yalu River opposite the North Korean city of Sinuiju. The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connects the two cities and carries the only passenger rail service between China and North Korea.
Access for foreign nationals: North Korea does not permit independent tourism by foreign nationals. Entry requires joining an approved group tour operated through an authorised tour operator, coordinated with the Korea International Travel Company (KITC) within North Korea. All itineraries are pre-approved by North Korean authorities, and independent movement within North Korea is not permitted. A government-appointed guide accompanies visitors at all times.
Current status as of May 2026: North Korea closed its borders in January 2020 due to COVID-19 and reopened for limited foreign tourism in 2024. Group tours have resumed through select Chinese and international operators but are restricted to limited itineraries. Check current availability with tour operators as the situation evolves.
The border crossing: the K27/K28 international train crosses the Friendship Bridge from Dandong to Sinuiju on the DPRK side. The journey to Pyongyang takes approximately 24–27 hours by train. Border checks at the bridge are conducted by both Chinese and North Korean border guards and are thorough — all electronic devices, written materials, and luggage are subject to inspection. Certain materials are prohibited from entry.
Dandong itself is an interesting border destination regardless of whether you cross. The Old Bridge (Broken Bridge) — bombed by US forces in 1950 during the Korean War and never rebuilt on the North Korean side — is a viewpoint. Boat tours on the Yalu River allow views of the North Korean bank at close range.
Tickets: purchased entirely through the tour operator. Individual ticket purchase is not possible.
What to expect at the border
Border crossing by train involves extended document inspection and luggage searching. Electronic devices will be examined — photography near the border area and of military installations is prohibited. On the North Korean side, all movement is organised by the accompanying guide. Photography is permitted at specific approved locations. Currency used inside North Korea is typically euros or Chinese yuan — USD has historically been accepted but policies change.