Nyongbyon County
| 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.
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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