The view from the Tongrim Hotel – 90 minutes by road from Sinuiju – is dominated by hills blanketed in thick woodland hiding two waterfalls with alleged healing powers.

“Legend has it that a hunchback was straightened up from taking showers at the falls,” reads the tourism brochure issued by Myohyangsan Travel Company, the sole operator in the Sinuiju area.

Aside from the idyllic scenery, tourists writing in the hotel visitors’ book note two key themes. The facilities – a swimming pool, Korean spa, boating lake and banquet hall included – have prompted enthusiastic reviews. Guests also write of being