Wonsan
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| Wonsan | |
|---|---|
| Chosŏn'gŭl: | 원산 |
| Hanja: | 元山 |
| McCune-Reischauer: | Wŏnsan |
| Revised Romanization: | Wonsan |
Wonsan is a port city and naval base in southeastern North Korea. It is the capital of Kangwon province. The population of the city is estimated to have been 331,000 in 2000. Famous people from Wonsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Workers' Party.
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[edit] History
The original name of Wonsan was Wonsanjin (원산진). It opened as trade port in 1880. In 1914, the Pyongyang-Wonsan railway, Shenyang-Wonsan railway was opened, then it gradually developed into an eastern product distribution center.
Wonsan used to be in South Hamgyong, but when provincial borders were redrawn in 1946, it joined the northern half of Kangwŏn (which had been split at the 38th parallel north into a zone under Soviet control in the north and one of U.S. American control in the south in 1945) and became its capital, as Kangwŏn's traditional capitals Wonju (1395–1895) and Chuncheon (since 1896) both were south of the 38th parallel and south of the Military Demarcation Line that replaced the 38th parallel as a border in 1953. Chuncheon is still the capital of the southern part of the province (Gangwon-do) which is controlled by South Korea.
Today, Wonsan is a comprehensive harbor industrial city, it is also the administrative centre of Kangwon Province.
[edit] Geography
Wonsan's area is 269 square km. It is located in Kangwon Province, on the westernmost part of the Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea) and the east end of the Korean peninsula's neck. Mt. Changdok (Changdok-san) and Mt. Naphal (Naphal-san) are located to the west of the city. More than 20 small islands flank Wonsan's immediate coastal area, including Hwangt'o Island and Ryo Island. Wonsan is considered an excellent natural port location.
Kŭmgang-san is located near Wonsan.
[edit] Transportation
Wonsan is connected to Pyongyang and other North Korean cities by electric railway and a modern highway system. The city has a military and civilian dual purposes air station (WON) and is equipped with 01/19 and 15/33 dual runways.
[edit] Education
Wonsan is home to Songdowon University, Kumgang University, Tonghae University, Wonsan University of Medicine, Wonsan First University of Education and Ri Su Dok University.
[edit] Tourism
North Korea is, for the most part, closed to foreign tourists. However, nearby Songdowon is a famous sea bathing destination for North Koreans, as the water there is exceptionally clear. Pine trees are abundant in the surrounding area, and it has been designated a national sightseeing point.
Songdowon International Children's Union Camp was built beside Songdowon, at , and it still receives teenagers and youth for cultural exchange between North Korea and various foreign countries.
Famous scenic sites near Wonsan: Myongsasimni, Lake Sijung, Chongsokjon, Mt. Kumgang.
[edit] Industry
Wonsan has an aquatic product processing factory, shipyard, chemistry enterprise, and a cement factory.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- The Wonsan Operation, October 1950 – Korean War Amphibious Assault ordered by General Douglas McArthur [1]
- Korea Tourist Map (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)
| Administrative divisions of Kangwon province, North Korea | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Wonsan |
| Cities: | Munchon | Wonsan |
| Counties: | Anbyon | Changdo | Chorwon | Chonnae | Hoeyang | Ichon | Kimhwa | Kosan | Kosong | Kumgang | Pankyo | Poptong | Pyonggang | Sepo | Tongchon |
