Nyongbyon

Nyongbyon-gun, alternatively Yongbyon-gun, is a county in North Pyong'an 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.

See also

• Subdivisions of North Korea
• Geography of North Korea
• List of Korea-related topics

References

• http://www.kcckp.net/ko/periodic/todaykorea/index.php?contents+2960+2007-09+101+15
• http://www.kcckp.net/en/periodic/todaykorea/index.php?contents+3101+2007-11+103+6

External links

• Interactive map of Yongbyon site
• North Korea's nuclear facilities by Google Earth
• Map of Nyongbyon, in Korean

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Coordinates: 39°50′N 125°45′E / 39.833°N 125.75°E / 39.833; 125.75

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