Saebyol

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saebyol
Chosŏn'gŭl:	새별군
Hanja:	새 별 郡
McCune-Reischauer:	Saebyŏl kun
Revised Romanization:	Saebyeol-gun
Statistics
Area:	888 km² km²
Population:	100,000 (1991 est.)
Administrative divisions:	1 ŭp;, 3 workers' districts, 23 ri

Saebyol is a kun, or county, in North Hamgyong province, North Korea. It borders the People's Republic of China to the east. Saebyol is unusual among Korean counties in that its name has no hanja representation; prior to 1977, it was known as "Kyongwon" county (경원군). The administrative center of the county is Saebyol ŭp;.

The western region of Saebyol is mountainous, while the east is relatively flat. The highest point is Chŭngsan. The largest river is the Tumen, which flows along the eastern border. Numerous tributaries of the Tumen also flow through the county. Approximately 75% of the county is forested.

Aside from agriculture, livestock raising and sericulture are widespread. The chief local crops are rice, corn, and soybeans. Bituminous coal is also mined in Saebyol.

Railroads passing through Saebyol include the Hambuk and Kogonwon Lines. It is also connected by rail to the Chinese city of Hunchun in the Yanbian autonomous prefecture.