Nyongbyon County

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Nyongbyon County
녕변군 (영변군)
County
Korean transcription(s)
 • Chosŏn'gŭl 녕변군 (영변군)
 • Hancha 寧邊郡
 • McCune-Reischauer Nyŏngbyŏn-kun (Yŏngbyŏn-kun)
 • Revised Romanization Nyeongbyeon-gun (Yeongbyeon-gun)
Country North Korea
Region North Pyongan Province

Nyongbyon County, alternatively Yongbyon County, 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 dynasty. 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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Capital
Cities
Counties

Coordinates: 39°50′N 125°45′E / 39.833°N 125.750°E / 39.833; 125.750

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