Wŏnsan is a port city and naval base located in Kangwon Province, North Korea, on the westernmost
shore of the Sea of Japan and the provincial capital. The port was opened by occupying
Japanese forces in 1880. Before the Korean War, it fell within the jurisdiction of the
then South Hamgyong Province, and during that war, it was the location of the Blockade of
Wonsan. The population of the city was estimated at 331,000 in 2000. Notable people from Wŏnsan
include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Korean Workers' Party. Economically,
the city is home to several major factories. In 2013, it was announced that Wonsan will
be converted into a summer destination with resorts and entertainment.
History
Wonsan opened as a trade port in 1880. Its original name was Wŏnsanjin, but it was also
known by the Russian name of Port Lazarev. Under Japanese rule it was called Gensan.
In 1914 the Pyongwon Line and Gyeongwon Line railways were opened, connecting the city
to Pyongyang and Seoul. Thus, the city gradually developed into the eastern product distribution
center. Under the Japanese occupation, the city was heavily industrialized and served
as an import point in the distribution of trade between Korea and mainland Japan.
Provincial borders Wŏnsan used to be in South Hamgyong, but
when provincial borders were redrawn in 1946, it joined the northern half of Kangwŏn and
became its capital, as Kangwŏn's traditional capitals Wonju and Chuncheon both were south
of the 38th parallel and south of the Military Demarcation Line that replaced the 38th parallel
as a border in 1953. It was heavily bombed by the United Nations during the Korean War's
Blockade of Wonsan. In fact, according to the official US Navy history, Wŏnsan was
under continuous siege and bombardment by the American navy from March 1951 until July
27, 1953, making it the longest siege in modern American naval history. By war's end the city
was a vast shell. Wŏnsan serves as the administrative center
of Kangwŏn Province. Geography and climate
Wŏnsan's area is 269 square kilometres. It is located in Kangwŏn Province, on the westernmost
part of the Sea of Japan and the east end of the Korean peninsula's neck. Mt. Changdok
and Mt. Naphal are located to the west of the city. More than 20 small islands flank
Wŏnsan's immediate coastal area, including Hwangt'o Island and Ryo Island. Wŏnsan is
considered an excellent natural port location. Kŭmgang-san mountain is located near Wŏnsan.
The city has a borderline humid subtropical climate that is very close to a humid continental
climate. Economy
Wŏnsan has an aquatic product processing factory, shipyard, chemistry enterprise, and
a cement factory. Transportation
Road and rail Wonsan Station is on the highway system and
the Kangwon Line electric railway, with connections to Pyongyang and other North Korean cities.
Air The city has the dual purpose military and
civilian Wonsan Airport equipped with 01/19 and 15/33 dual runways.
Sea Wonsan is also the terminus of the Mangyongbong-92
ferry, the only direct connection between Japan and North Korea.
Media The Korean Central Broadcasting Station maintains
a 250-kilowatt mediumwave transmitter broadcasting on 882 kHz AM.
Education Wŏnsan is home to Songdowon University, Kumgang
University, Tonghae University, Jong Jun Thaek University of Economics, Wŏnsan University
of Medicine, Jo Gun Sil University of Engineering, Wŏnsan First University of Education and
Ri Su Dok University. Sports
The city is home to Woonpasan Sports Group, a football club that plays in the DPR Korea
First Class Sports Group, North Korea's premier league.
Tourism Wonsan is a popular tourist destination for
foreigners and locals alike, nearby Songdowon is a famous sea bathing destination in North
Korea, as the water there is exceptionally clear. Pine trees are abundant in the surrounding
area, and it has been designated a national sightseeing point. The nearby Kalma Peninsula
will also open to tourists soon and will feature a new hotel and a bathing area. At present
most foreigners stay at the Tongmyong hotel on the seaside near the Chok islet pier.
Songdowon International Children's Union Camp was built beside Songdowon, at 39°11′14″N
127°24′28″E, and it still receives teenagers and youth for cultural exchange between North
Korea and various foreign countries. Famous scenic sites near Wŏnsan: Myongsasimni,
Lake Sijung, Chongsokjon and Mt. Kumgang. Temples in the area include the Sogwangsa
and Anbyon Pohyonsa Buddhist temples. German Church is the former church of Tokwon abbey,
now used by Wonsan University of Agriculture. Administrative divisions
Wonsan is divided into 40 administrative districts known as dong, as well as fifteen villages.
The largest dong, Haebang, is further divided in two parts for administrative purposes.
People from Wonsan Kim Ki Nam, politician
Sister city Puebla, Mexico.
Vladivostok, Russia. See also
List of East Asian ports List of Korea-related topics
Geography of North Korea Naval bases of the Korean People's Navy
References
External links North Korea Uncovered, a Google Earth map
of Wonsan's cultural, economic, political, military infrastructure, and tourist locations
and facilities. The Wŏnsan Operation, October 1950 – Korean
War amphibious assault ordered by General Douglas MacArthur
Google Earth images of Wŏnsan, including one of Kim Jong Il's palaces, a military airfield,
and the ferry Mangyongbong-92 [1]