Unbong Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Ji'an, China and North Korea.
Unbong Dam stretches 828 meters across the Yalu River and operates turbines to generate electricity for both neighboring countries. The concrete structure features 21 floodgates capable of managing large water discharge through its overflow spillway.
Construction started in 1942, paused in 1945 due to World War II, resumed in 1959, and all generators were operational by 1967. The extended building period reflects the complexity of completing a major international project across multiple decades.
The dam serves as a shared infrastructure project between China and North Korea, with each country operating its own turbines and power systems. You can observe how two neighboring nations work together on a river that forms their mutual border.
The best time to visit is during the dry season when water flows are calmer and the structure is easier to view. The site sits on an international border area, so visitors should follow local guidelines and obtain any necessary permits.
Two long tunnels measuring 775 and 759 meters carry water from the dam's right abutment across a ridge to the power station below. These hidden underground channels are an impressive engineering feature that visitors often miss when viewing the structure.
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