Progress on North Korean Customs Facilities for New Yalu River Bridge Suggests Opening Within the Year

Satellite imagery has confirmed that large-scale construction of North Korean customs facilities, essential for the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge connecting North Korea and China, is making progress.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that an analysis of satellite photos taken by a U.S. commercial satellite on July 20 shows that the overall exterior of the North Korean side—designated for warehouses, logistics facilities, customs, and security buildings—has taken shape as structural and roofing work has progressed.

Jung Seong-hak, a member of the Korea Security Strategy Research Committee and an expert in satellite imagery analysis, compared the images with those taken on May 28 and stated, "Dozens of warehouses and administrative and security buildings have been erected at the construction site, and it appears to be in the stage of interior facility construction."

Jung explained that construction materials and temporary tents were identified stretching over 1 kilometer along the road connected to South Sinuiju Station on the right side of the customs area, adding, "It is judged that the Chinese side has directly brought in large quantities of construction materials and equipment across the bridge to complete the customs facilities quickly in time for the opening."

While some areas have undergone pavement work, most of the customs site and access roads remain unpaved.

The Chinese side of the customs facility has already been completed.

The New Yalu River Bridge is considered a key piece of infrastructure for expanding logistics and tourism exchanges between North Korea and China.

Although China funded and completed the main bridge structure in 2014, its opening was indefinitely postponed due to North Korea's financial difficulties, a lack of construction resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction resumed in January of last year, and considering recent trends in North Korea-China exchanges, it is expected that the bridge will likely officially open within this year.

The city of Dandong in China's Liaoning Province has expressed its commitment to opening the connecting New Yalu River Bridge within the year.

Meanwhile, according to satellite photos taken on June 30 of the Tumen River Bridge connecting North Korea and Russia, the Russian side's roads, checkpoints, and customs complex were identified as still being under construction.

The North Korean side of the customs facility has been completed.

Although Russia initially stated that the bridge was scheduled to be completed by June 19, the ongoing construction suggests that it will take more time before the official opening.

The construction of the new Tumen River automobile bridge was an agreement reached during the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang in June 2024, and construction began in late April of last year.

Jung Eun-lee, head of the North Korean Research Division at the Korea Institute for National Unification, stated, "The New Yalu River Bridge and the Tumen River automobile bridge are symbolic projects that demonstrate North Korea-Russia and North Korea-China relations," adding, "If both bridges open this year, economic cooperation between North Korea, China, and Russia, as well as among the three countries, will be strengthened more than ever."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.