Hamhŭng, North Korea

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hamhŭng, North Korea

Region: South Hamgyong Province


Geographic Coordinates: 39.916700, 127.533000
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 35.0°C (-22°F to 95°F)
Population: 768551
Language: Korean

Hamhŭng is a city in the northeastern part of North Korea. It serves as an important industrial center for the country and is the capital of South Hamgyong Province. The city has a population of over 800, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers. One notable landmark in Hamhŭng is the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, Which produces various types of fertilizers with nitrogen-based compounds to boost crop yields throughout North Korea. The Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex also produces iron and steel products for construction, Machinery manufacturing, And other industries.

Aside from its industrial activities, Hamhŭng has cultural sites like Kwanmo Temple that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Lake Samilpo outside the city limits offers scenic views and outdoor activities like boating, Fishing, Hiking trails through nearby mountains. However, Life in Hamhŭng can be challenging due to economic difficulties faced by many North Koreans such as food shortages or limited access to basic necessities like medicine or clean water. Despite these challenges though, Efforts are underway to improve living conditions through increased investment in infrastructure projects such as road construction and public transportation systems.

Overall, Despite its challenges, Hamhŭng remains a fascinating city with unique industrial heritage that travelers can explore while also experiencing North Korean culture.



Important Landmarks

  1. Hamhŭng Grand Theatre: This is a large theatre that hosts various cultural events and performances.
  2. Hamhŭng Revolutionary Site: It is a historical site where visitors can learn about the revolutionary history of North Korea.
  3. Pujon Pavilion: This is a beautiful pavilion located on the banks of the Pujon River.
  4. Hamhŭng Central Square: It is a large public square that serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
  5. Tanchon Commercial District: It is a bustling commercial area with shops selling everything from clothes to electronics.
  6. Songdowon International Children’s Camp: This summer camp is popular among children from around the world.
  7. Jipsam Revolutionary Site: Another historical site where visitors can learn about North Korea’s revolutionary past.
  8. Majon Beach Resort: This beach resort offers swimming, boating, and other water-based activities for tourists to enjoy during their stay in Hamhŭng city.

Primary Industries

  1. Hamhŭng is a major industrial center in North Korea, boasting a diverse range of industries and businesses.
  2. Some of the most significant sectors in Hamhŭng include:
    1. The chemical industry
    2. The textile industry
    3. The food processing industry
    4. The machinery industry
    5. The mining industry
    6. The fishing industry
    7. The transportation infrastructure
  3. The city’s chemical complex is particularly noteworthy as it produces various chemical products such as fertilizers, plastics, and synthetic fibers.
  4. Hamhŭng also has several textile factories that manufacture clothing and bedding items.
  5. The food processing plants in the city produce an array of goods including canned foods, soy sauce, noodles.
  6. The machinery factories are responsible for producing metalworking machines and agricultural equipment while coal mines supply fuel to power these industries.
  7. Additionally, the port supports a thriving fishing sector with fish processing facilities that produce dried fish and seafood products.
  8. Hamhŭng’s transportation infrastructure includes railways that connect it to Pyongyang as well as shipping facilities at its port which serves as an important gateway for trade with China and Russia.
  9. Overall Hamhung plays a crucial role in North Korea’s economy due to its diverse range of industries that generate employment opportunities for its citizens while contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

Noteable History

  1. Hamhŭng played a crucial role in the Korean War as it was the site of a major battle known as the Battle of Hamhŭng.
  2. Kim Jong-il, who was the former leader of North Korea and father of current leader Kim Jong-un, spent much of his childhood in Hamhŭng although he was born in Vyatskoye, Russia which is nearby.
  3. The city has been an important center for industry and agriculture in North Korea for many years with factories producing textiles and chemicals being particularly notable.
  4. During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Hamhŭng which served as an important military base for their operations in Manchuria.
  5. Several universities are located within the city including Kim Chaek University of Technology and Hamhŭng University of Education.
  6. In recent times, significant development projects have taken place within Hamhŭng aimed at modernizing its infrastructure and expanding its industrial capacity.
  7. Notable individuals associated with or from Hamhung include composer Ri Kyong-suk, politician Kang Yong-sop, and poet Pak Tu-jin.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Mount Kumgang: A scenic mountain range located in the east of North Korea.
  2. Pyongyang: The capital city of North Korea, known for its grand architecture and monuments.
  3. Kaesong: A historic city located near the border with South Korea, known for its traditional Korean architecture.
  4. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): A heavily guarded border between North and South Korea, where visitors can see the tension between the two countries.
  5. Mansudae Grand Monument: A large bronze statue of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung, located in Pyongyang.
  6. Paektu Mountain: A sacred mountain located on the border between North Korea and China, believed to be the birthplace of Kim Jong-il.
  7. Chilbosan: A mountain range located in the northeast of North Korea, known for its scenic hiking trails.
  8. Pyongyang Metro: A unique subway system in Pyongyang, known for its elaborate and ornate stations.
  9. Hamhŭng Beach: A beautiful and peaceful beach located near the city where tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery.
  10. Hamhŭng Botanical Garden: This botanical garden showcases a variety of plants and flowers from North Korea and around the world.


Sports Teams

  1. Hamhŭng City Sports Club, founded in 1957, which has teams competing in football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and other sports.
  2. Hamhŭng Industrial University Football Club, founded in 1978 and competes in the North Korean Premier League.
  3. Hwanggumbol Women’s Football Team was founded in 1993 and is one of the most successful women’s football teams in North Korea.
  4. Hamhŭng Agricultural College Basketball Team has a long history of success and has produced many talented players who have gone on to play professionally.
  5. Sobaeksu Sports Team is based at the Sobaeksu Stadium in Hamhŭng and competes across multiple sports including football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis among others.

Overall these are some of the notable sports teams that represent Hamhung city at various levels within North Korea’s sporting fraternity.



Cultural Events

  1. Hamhŭng Chrysanthemum Festival: This festival is held annually every October at the Hamhŭng Botanical Garden. It showcases various chrysanthemums grown locally.
  2. Pujon Revolutionary Battle Site Festival: An annual festival held on April 25th to commemorate North Korean forces’ victory over Japanese troops during World War II.
  3. Kim Il Sung’s Birthday Celebration: Celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout North Korea, including Hamhŭng, to honor the country’s founding leader.
  4. Arirang Mass Games: A large-scale gymnastics and artistic performance held every year in Pyongyang but can be viewed by visitors from other parts of North Korea like Hamhung.

It’s worth noting that obtaining accurate and up-to-date information about cultural events and festivals within the country can be challenging due to political restrictions and limited access to information from outside sources.


Cuisine

  • Hamhŭng-style cold noodles (Hamhŭng naengmyeon)
  • Grilled eel (jangeo-gui)
  • Steamed meat dumplings (mandu)
  • Rice cakes with sweet red bean paste filling (patjuk-tteok)

As for restaurants, some popular ones in Hamhŭng include:

  • Okryugwan Restaurant
  • Pujon Restaurant
  • Chongnyon Hotel Restaurant
  • Tongbong Restaurant

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Hamhŭng Botanical Garden – a large botanical garden with a variety of plants and flowers.
    2. Tanchon Port – a popular spot for fishing and boating.
    3. Songdowon International Children’s Camp – a summer camp for children that includes sports activities, cultural programs, and educational classes.
    4. Changryong Amusement Park – an amusement park with rides and games for all ages.
    5. Mt. Kuwol National Park – a scenic national park with hiking trails and camping facilities.

    Please note that this information may not be up-to-date or accurate due to the lack of reliable sources about North Korea’s current situation.


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