Map of Wuhan China and North Korea
Wuhan, China and North Korea are located on the other side of the world. Both countries are around 8,000 kilometers apart, with Wuhan located in southeastern China and North Korea located in northeast Asia. Wuhan lies on the north bank of the Yangtze River, while Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, lies even further north on the other side of the Yellow Sea. The Yellow Sea is a body of water that separates the two countries and marks the border of East and Northeast Asia.
Geographical Comparisons
The countries are considerably different in size. North Korea is roughly 120,000 square kilometers or 46,522 square miles; its land area is only slightly larger than the US state of Kentucky. Wuhan, located in China’s Hubei Province, is approximately 81,000 square kilometers or 31,303 square miles.
When considering the population of each territory, there is an even greater discrepancy. North Korea has a population of nearly 25 million people, while Wuhan, China, has more than 11 million people living there. This population figure makes Wuhan the fifth most populous city in China and the most populous city in Central China.
Distance by Land and Water
The direct distance between Wuhan and North Korea is over 8,000 kilometers. Depending on the travel route selected, the actual land distance can be significantly less than the direct distance. The two cities are connected by land via the trans-Siberian railway — a network of rail links between Europe and the Far East. The journey could take as little as two days by train, but the cost and safety concerns greatly reduce its popularity as a travel option.
The sea route also offers an alternate way to travel from Wuhan to North Korea. Wuhan is located close to the Yangtze and other rivers. These rivers are used to transport goods between the two countries. The sea route offers a reasonably safe and reliable option for those wishing to travel between the two countries.
Climate of North Korea and Wuhan
The climate of Wuhan and North Korea are somewhat similar and somewhat different. They both have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The temperature in Wuhan, however, is usually warmer than in North Korea. Summers in Wuhan are hot and humid and winters can be quite cold; while North Korea’s weather tends to be much colder and drier.
The most significant difference is the amount of rainfall each area receives. Wuhan is part of the Yangtze River Delta and receives a much higher amount of rainfall than North Korea. This can be attributed to the convergence of warm and cold air masses in northern China, which causes increased precipitation.
Cultural Dissonance
The cultures of Wuhan and North Korea are very different. China is relatively open to foreign investment and has seen significant economic growth over the past two decades. North Korea is isolated from most of the world and its citizens face state-sanctioned restrictions. Wuhan is known for its vibrant nightlife and unique cuisine; while North Korea is very controlled and lacks the same level of sophistication.
Both countries have their own distinct history and culture, but they are very different in terms of values, beliefs, and customs. For instance, freedom of speech, religion, and press are essential rights in Wuhan, while these are heavily restricted in North Korea. North Korea also enforces harsher punishments for criminal activity.
Political Perspectives
North Korea and China have a largely-civil diplomatic relationship. North Korea depends on China for food, oil and external support; while China is North Korea’s closest diplomatic ally and has considerable influence in the region. North Korea’s actions have been the subject of international criticism and condemnation, but China has mostly remained neutral and maintains cooperation with North Korea.
China has been a strong advocate for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and has supported various UN resolutions to put an end to the nuclear proliferation of North Korea. China has also taken steps to ensure that all imports from North Korea are carried out under strict international regulation.
International Investments
China is one of the largest foreign investors in North Korea and continues to invest in its economic and infrastructure development. China has invested heavily in the development of North Korean Hwanghae Steel and Amnok Chemical industries. China has also built several bridges and roads connecting North Korea to China.
Furthermore, China is involved in North Korea’s mineral trade, which is estimated to be worth billions of dollars per year. China is also heavily involved in North Korea’s tourism industry and shares much of its advanced technology with the isolated country.
Security Concerns
North Korea and China share some contentious views on regional security, but both countries also understand the importance of regional stability. China is committed to maintaining diplomatic ties with North Korea, despite international pressure to end these ties. China maintains a balanced view on North Korean security and has been unwilling to resort to hostile measures.
Wuhan, China and North Korea may never be close geographically, but the ties they share in terms of geopolitical interests, investments, and security issues are a testament to the complexities of our world.
Economic Policies
China’s economic policy has been to take a gradual approach to opening up markets and trade with North Korea. China is committed to aiding North Korea in its economic development, and is helping North Korea to diversify its economy and modernize its infrastructure.
China is increasingly investing in North Korea’s alternate energy sources, like hydropower and solar energy. China has also provided financial and technical assistance to North Korea, to help develop its science and technology sector.
Communication and Transportation Between the Two Countries
Though the two countries are geographically separated, communication continues to be strong. In recent years, several direct flights between Wuhan and Pyongyang were established. The China-Korea Expressway, connecting Wuhan to Pyongyang was completed in 2018. This has reduced the travel time from two days to three hours.
Regular communication is also possible through satellite TV and mobile applications like WeChat and KakaoTalk. These digital platforms allow people to stay in touch and exchange information almost instantaneously.
Art and Cultural Exchanges
While citizens of North Korea and China remain largely isolated from one another, art and cultural exchanges are also ongoing. In 2018, a Chinese art troupe was invited to North Korea to perform. Chinese film screenings have taken place in Pyongyang, while North Korean musicians have performed in China.
Concerts and film screenings are just one form of cultural exchange — each country also shares traditional recipes, literature, and dance. In addition, educational programs such as lectures and seminars are provided to both sides. Although limited, these exchanges are beneficial for future relations between the two nations.
