Nyongbyon
Encyclopedia
Nyongbyon-gun, alternatively Yongbyon-gun, is a county in North Pyongan province, North Korea
. It borders the cities of Kaech'on and Anju
, and covers an area of 504 km².
The city was heavily fortified during the 15th century as a result of its strategic position, and during the Joseon Dynasty
, became a famous retreat for the aristocratic Yangban
due to its fantastic scenery. The city's Yaksan, meaning medicine mountain, was well-known for its beautiful azaleas; the famous modern poet Kim So-wol wrote one of his best-known poems on this subject. Two other mountains, Yaksan-dongdae, east of Yaksan, and Moran Hill are also famous scenic spots. Yongbyon also houses many important relics, including the Chonju
and Soun Buddhist temples, dating from 1345 and 1684 respectively; the Ryuksung Pavilion, famous for "six scenic views" of Yongbyon; and the Cholong Castle, built to protect the city during the Yi dynsty. The south gate of Yongbyon, called Mannomun
, is also famous.
The Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center
, a major component of the North Korean nuclear program, is located here.
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
. It borders the cities of Kaech'on and Anju
Anju (city)
Anju-si is a city in the South Pyongan province of North Korea at the coordinates of . Its current population is unknown, but judging from satellite imagery, at least 100,000 people reside there. The Ch'ongch'on River passes through Anju....
, and covers an area of 504 km².
The city was heavily fortified during the 15th century as a result of its strategic position, and during the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
, became a famous retreat for the aristocratic Yangban
Yangban
The yangban were part of the traditional ruling class or nobles of dynastic Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The yangban were either landed or unlanded aristocracy who comprised the Korean Confucian idea of a "scholarly official." In reality, they were basically administrators and bureaucrats who...
due to its fantastic scenery. The city's Yaksan, meaning medicine mountain, was well-known for its beautiful azaleas; the famous modern poet Kim So-wol wrote one of his best-known poems on this subject. Two other mountains, Yaksan-dongdae, east of Yaksan, and Moran Hill are also famous scenic spots. Yongbyon also houses many important relics, including the Chonju
Chonjusa
Ch'ŏnju-sa is a Korean Buddhist temple located on the southern slope of Yaksan mountain, in Yongbyon, North Pyongan province, North Korea. It is listed as National Treasure #46 in that country...
and Soun Buddhist temples, dating from 1345 and 1684 respectively; the Ryuksung Pavilion, famous for "six scenic views" of Yongbyon; and the Cholong Castle, built to protect the city during the Yi dynsty. The south gate of Yongbyon, called Mannomun
Mannomun
Manno Gate is the old south gate of the city of Yŏngbyon. Dating to the Joseon Dynasty, the gate was first constructed in 1658, and later rebuilt in 1789...
, is also famous.
The Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center
Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center
The Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center is North Korea's major nuclear facility, operating its first nuclear reactors. It is located in the county of Nyŏngbyŏn in North Pyongan province, about 90 km north of Pyongyang...
, a major component of the North Korean nuclear program, is located here.
See also
- Subdivisions of North Korea
- Geography of North KoreaGeography of North KoreaNorth Korea is located in east Asia on the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea shares a border with three states, including China along the Amnok River, Russia along the Duman River, and South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone...
- List of Korea-related topics