The early 1990s can be seen as a turning point in the history of the Yanbian area in general and its relations with North Korea in particular. Many different, if somewhat related, events produced these changes.
First of all, Chinese market reforms began to bare fruit. Thus, the area began to grow richer and richer. For decades, North Koreans lived better than their (often literal) brethren in Yanbian. But this ceased to be the case by the mid-1980s, and since the early 1990s the gap between North Korea and Yanbian has grown rapidly.
The early 1990s can be seen as a turning point in the history of the Yanbian area in general and its relations with North Korea in particular. Many different, if somewhat related, events produced these changes.
First of all, Chinese market reforms began to bare fruit. Thus, the area began to grow richer and richer. For decades, North Koreans lived better than their (often literal) brethren in Yanbian. But this ceased to be the case by the mid-1980s, and since the early 1990s the gap between North Korea and Yanbian has grown rapidly.
Become a member for less
than $5.75 per week.
-
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations,
analysis
-
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in
the loop
-
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
-
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting,
investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe
now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
