However, due to continuous deposition of river-borne sediments, the northern portion of the former island is now permanently connected with the Chinese city of Dandong.

A steel mesh fence has been built to mark the land border between China and North Korea.

[2] The agreement is not recognized by South Korea, who continues to claim this island in accordance with its constitution.

In June 2011, an agreement, negotiated by Gao Jingde, of Sunbase International Holdings Ltd,[3] with China was made to establish a joint free-trade area on Hwanggumpyong and Wihwa Islands, as well as the Chinese border area near Dandong.

[4] By 2013, the site had been prepared, and a free-trade area of over 300 acres (120 ha) may be ready for operation in about two years.