Nampho Dam

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Nampho Dam
Korean name
Chosŏn'gŭl:	서해갑문
Hanja:	西海閘門
McCune-Reischauer:	Sŏhae Kapmun
Revised Romanization:	Seohae Gapmun

Nampho Dam or West Sea Dam, also known as the West Sea Barrage, is a barrage located 15 km west of the special city of Nampho, North Korea. It is a huge, eight-kilometer-long system of dams, three lock chambers, and 36 sluices, allowing the passage of ships up to 50,000 tons. The dam closes the Taedong River off from the Yellow Sea. It was built from 1981 to 1986, with the resources of the whole country directed to this main construction project. The completion of the West Sea Dam allowed:

• The raising of the water level in the Taedong River and increased ship traffic;
• The prevention of seawater intrusion into the fresh water, thus solving the water supply problem;
• The irrigation of additional land, enlarging the arable territory of the region.

The dam is considered a major accomplishment of North Korea. It is a commonly seen backdrop for North Korean television news broadcasts on KCNA, and is a stop for international tourists.

The locks are at geographical coordinates 38°41′N, 125°10′E.

The dam's estimated total cost was $4 billion (US). [North Korea, Through the Looking Glass; Oh, Hassig, p53, 2000]

Satellite photograph showing the West Sea Barrage. The Taedong River flows from right to left and the city of Nampho is on the north bank of the river in the center of the image. The West Sea Barrage is to the left, at the mouth of the river.