| Nyongbyon | |
|---|---|
| Chosŏn'gŭl | 녕변군/영변군 |
| Hancha | 寧邊郡 |
| McCune–Reischauer | Nyŏngbyŏn'gun / Yŏngbyŏn'gun |
| Revised Romanization | Nyeongbyeon-gun / Yeongbyeon-gun |
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.
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