North Korean Man Swims to South Korea Using Polystyrene to Stay Afloat

Escaping from North Korea is incredibly risky. Most people who flee the country do so by slipping through the Chinese border and then moving through Southeast Asia, according to Digi24.

Few dare to cross directly into South Korea. The border is one of the most heavily guarded in the world. It is packed with landmines, barbed wire, and surveillance systems. But some people still try.

Did the Unthinkable

One man recently did something almost unthinkable. On the night between July 30 and 31, a North Korean defector swam across the sea border between the two Koreas. He clung to pieces of polystyrene to stay afloat.

The man crossed near the estuary of the Han River, close to Ganghwa Island.

This island lies just under two kilometers from the North Korean shore. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the event and shared some details.

Soldiers first spotted the man in the middle of the river. He appeared to be signaling for help.

According to South Korean media, one officer called out, “We are the Republic of Korea Navy. Do you want to take refuge in South Korea?” The man gave a clear yes.

One of the Most Dangerous Borders in the World

The rescue was not easy. It lasted around ten hours. The operation ended early in the morning on Thursday, July 31. The man was safely brought ashore. After his rescue, he confirmed that he intended to leave North Korea.

Defections like this are rare. Most people do not attempt to cross the border directly because of how dangerous it is.

Those who do make it to South Korea are usually taken in by security forces. They go through checks and interviews that can last several weeks.

This man’s escape is unusual. It took determination, resourcefulness, and a lot of luck.

Using nothing but floating foam and sheer will, he made it across one of the most dangerous borders in the world.