North Korean vendors have been approaching tourist boats on the Yalu River in an effort to sell their wares, a recent visitor to China has confirmed. River tours that promise views into North Korea depart regularly from the Chinese city of Dandong, which faces the key North Korean city of Shinuiju.
[imText1]
According to one Chinese tour guide, North Koreans began peddling their wares from boats in this way last spring. Engaging in this kind of activity was previously impossible.
Items on sale included ginseng, beautifully patterned purses, Pyongyang Soju and cigarettes. The prices quoted were two to three times higher than prices in North Korea.
[imText2]
Although the vendors were completely absorbed in their work, they cried out when tourists tried to take photos, and some even threw pebbles.
A trader who deals frequently with North Koreans told Daily NK, “North Korea has recently been sending far more laborers overseas than it used to. As you can see now on the Yalu, the North Koreans are actively seeking foreign currency. This is to meet demand that has arisen from new national projects initiated under Kim Jong Eun.”
Most tourists on board were ethnic Koreans residing in China, but Chinese and South Koreans were also present. As the tour boat approached North Korean territory, the tourists all zoomed in and took photos. While some soldiers yelled out and threw stones, most people simply watched as the tourist boat passed by.
[imText3]
[imText4]
