Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture

Yanbian is an autonomous prefecture in eastern Jilin Province, sharing borders with North Korea, Russia, and Heilongjiang Province. The territory divides into eight administrative units spread across a large forested and mountainous region.

The prefecture received autonomous status in 1952 after waves of Korean migration reached the area during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This movement shaped the region's composition and governance for decades to come.

The region maintains a population of 30.77 percent ethnic Koreans who preserve their traditions while integrating into Chinese society through bilingual education and institutions.

Yanji serves as the main center and can be reached by international flights or high-speed rail connections. The city offers hotels, restaurants, and starting points for trips to the surrounding border areas.

The prefecture sits at the junction of three countries and enables trade through border towns like Hunchun with Russia and Tumen with North Korea. This position makes the region a hub for commerce and travel connections across northeast Asia.

Location: Jilin

Inception: September 1, 1952

Capital city: Yanji

Elevation above the sea: 200 m

Website: http://yanbian.gov.cn

GPS coordinates: 42.89393,129.50465

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:00