Pyoktong County

Pyokdong County
벽동군
County
Korean transcription(s)
 • Chosŏn'gŭl 벽동군
 • Hancha 碧潼郡
 • McCune-Reischauer Pyŏktong-kun
 • Revised Romanization Byeokdong-gun
Country North Korea
Region North Pyongan Province
Administrative divisions 1 ŭp, 19 ri

Pyoktong County is a kun, or county, in northern North Pyongan province, North Korea. It lies in the valley of the Yalu River, and borders China to the north. Within North Korea, it is bounded by Tongchang in the south, Changsong in the west, and Usi county in Chagang province to the east. It was separated from Usi in 1952, as part of a nationwide reorganization of local government.

The terrain is steep and mountainous, with the Kangnam and Pinandok ranges both passing through the county. The highest point is Piraebong, at 1470 metres. There are various small streams, including the Tongchon (동천), Songgyechon (송계천), and Namchon (남천). These are used to transport cut lumber; and the Namchon is also used to generate hydroelectric power. The average year-round temperature is 7.1 °C, plunging to a mean of -12.5 °C in January and rising to 23 °C in August. The climate is relatively dry, with an average annual rainfall of 992 mm. Due to the rugged terrain, only seven percent of Pyoktong's area is cultivated, while 80% is forested.

Forestry is the chief local industry. The farms produce maize, soybeans, sweet potatoes, potatoes, gochu peppers, and hops. Livestock are also raised; Pyoktong ranks second nationwide in sheep production.

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