A rare glimpse into North Korea’s daily life has reemerged in the form of drone footage, offering a look at the reclusive nation during the height of the 2020 pandemic. The drone, flown from China across the Yalu River into North Korean airspace, captured images and videos of the border city of Sinuiju. The footage was initially shared on Reddit in April 2024 by a user known as XiaoHao2.
Sinuiju, located opposite the Chinese city of Dandong, appears eerily quiet in the footage, with deserted streets and little sign of activity. Many online viewers quickly labeled it a “ghost town.” One commenter remarked, “Those are some dead streets. Not a lot of traffic there,” while another jokingly added, “Guy singlehandedly invaded North Korea.”
This guy flew his drone into North Korea from China and took these photos 😳 pic.twitter.com/pxPfXt2TUV
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) October 12, 2024
While the footage intrigued many, concerns were also raised about the risks involved in flying a drone over North Korea, known for its strict surveillance and tight security. Some users expressed worries about potential repercussions from both North Korean and Chinese authorities. One Redditor speculated, “I imagine the Chinese authorities wouldn’t be happy about someone flying a drone from their territory over NK.”
Drone Footage showing the North Korean city of Sinuiju, which is very close to China and only separated by the Yalu River.
The images were reportedly taken back in 2020, but the author dared to publish them only now. pic.twitter.com/pH4KXl5j2S
— schuld (@schuld_eth) October 12, 2024
Despite the concerns, the drone operator assured users of their safety, stating, “I am still alive and free.” They confirmed that neither Chinese nor North Korean authorities confiscated the drone, and they faced no legal consequences.
The video, originally filmed during the 2020 lockdown, has reignited curiosity about life in North Korea, particularly at a time when the global pandemic further isolated the already closed-off state. Sinuiju’s appearance during such a momentous period offers a rare and intriguing perspective on life in one of the world’s most secretive nations.