Hoeryŏng, North Korea

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hoeryŏng, North Korea

Region: North Hamgyong Province


Geographic Coordinates: 42.433300, 129.750000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 35.0°C (-40°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold and dry winters, hot and humid summers, and a monsoon season from June to August in Hoeryŏng, North Korea.
Population: 153532
Language: Korean

Hoeryŏng is a city situated in the northern part of North Korea, Close to the borders with China and Russia. It functions as the capital of North Hamgyong Province and has an estimated population of around 100, 000 individuals. The city was established during the early 20th century by Japanese colonizers who utilized it for military purposes. The economy of Hoeryŏng is heavily reliant on its proximity to China and Russia, Serving as a significant trading center for commodities such as coal, Iron ore, And seafood.

However, Due to international sanctions imposed on North Korea in recent years, Trade has been severely limited. Hoeryŏng boasts several historical sites that attract visitors from all over North Korea. One such site is the Hoeryŏng Revolutionary Site which commemorates Kim Il-sung’s guerrilla activities during World War II against Japanese occupation forces. Another popular destination in Hoeryŏng is the Kumgangsan Palace of Culture which hosts various cultural events throughout the year including concerts and exhibitions.

Despite its rich history and cultural offerings, Life can be challenging for residents due to economic hardship and limited access to basic necessities like electricity and clean water. The government provides some support through rationing systems; however many people struggle to make ends meet. One unique aspect of life in Hoeryŏng is its proximity to China’s Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture across the border. Many residents have family members living there or travel back-and-forth between both countries for business or personal reasons.

Overall, While facing challenges due to economic sanctions and political isolationism like many other cities in North Korea; Hoeryŏng remains an essential center for trade with neighboring countries while also offering visitors rich history & culture experiences that showcase this region’s unique heritage!



Important Landmarks

  1. Hoeryong Revolutionary Site: This historic site was visited by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il during their revolutionary activities.
  2. Pohyonsa Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple that was built during the Koryo dynasty.
  3. Hoeryong City Museum: This museum showcases the history of the city from ancient times to modern-day North Korea.
  4. Mount Chilbo: A stunning mountain range located near Hoeryong known for its natural beauty.
  5. Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center: One of North Korea’s main nuclear facilities located near Hoeryong.
  6. Samjiyon Grand Monument: A monument dedicated to Kim Il-sung’s revolutionary activities in Samjiyon County, which includes Hoeryong.
  7. Changbai Mountain Range National Nature Reserve (located in China): Known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, it can be accessed from within North Korea through a special permit process.

Please note that access to some of these landmarks may be restricted or limited due to political reasons or safety concerns.


Primary Industries

  1. Hoeryŏng, North Korea is well-known for its thriving heavy industry and manufacturing sector.
  2. The city has a diverse range of industries and businesses including:
    • Steel production
    • Chemical plants
    • Textiles factories
    • Machinery production
    • Food processing facilities
    • Coal mines
    • Fishing industry
  3. The steel plant in Hoeryŏng produces an array of steel products like bars and sheets.
  4. Several chemical plants exist in the city that manufactures fertilizers, plastics as well as other chemicals.
  5. Additionally, there are textile factories that produce various clothing items and fabrics.
  6. In addition to these industries mentioned above, Hoeryŏng also has factories that produce machinery such as tractors or excavators used for construction purposes.
  7. Furthermore, there are food processing plants that manufacture canned goods or noodles along with other food products.
  8. Coal mining is another significant industry in the surrounding area of Hoeryŏng which provides employment opportunities to many local residents.
  9. Finally yet importantly due to its location on the coast of the Sea of Japan (East Sea), fishing is an essential industry for this region with a significant portion of local population being involved either directly or indirectly through associated businesses such as fish processing etc.

Noteable History

  1. Japanese Occupation: During the early 20th century, Hoeryŏng was occupied by Japan as part of its expansionist policies in East Asia.
  2. Kim Il-sung: The founder of North Korea, Kim Il-sung was born in Mangyongdae, near Hoeryŏng.
  3. Korean War: During the Korean War (1950-1953), Hoeryŏng was one of the major battlegrounds between North Korean and United Nations forces.
  4. Kim Jong-il: The son of Kim Il-sung and former leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il is believed to have spent some time in his childhood in Hoeryŏng.
  5. Border Disputes: In recent years, there have been several border disputes between North Korea and China near Hoeryŏng due to disagreements over fishing rights in the Yalu River.
  6. Cultural Heritage Sites: There are several cultural heritage sites located within or near Hoeryŏng including Gwanggaeto Stele (a monument from the Goguryeo period) and Haeju Temple (a Buddhist temple built during the Koryo Dynasty).
  7. Nuclear Program: In recent years, there have been reports that suggest that nuclear weapons are being developed or stored near Hoeryŏng as part of North Korea’s nuclear program.

Overall, these events and people have shaped the history and culture of Hoeryŏng into what it is today – a city with a complex past but also one that holds great potential for future growth and development.


Museums and Things To See

  1. Hoeryong Revolutionary Museum: This museum showcases the history of the city’s revolutionary struggle against Japanese imperialism and highlights the achievements of local heroes.
  2. Monument to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War: This monument commemorates North Korea’s victory in the Korean War and honors those who fought to defend their country.
  3. Hoeryong City Art Gallery: This art center features a collection of contemporary North Korean art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
  4. Kim Jong Suk Memorial House: This is a memorial for Kim Jong Suk, wife of former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung and mother of current leader Kim Jong Un. The house displays her personal belongings and tells her life story.
  5. Hoeryong Folklore Park: This park showcases traditional North Korean culture through exhibits on folk customs, music, dance, and cuisine.
  6. Mount Chilbo National Park: Located near Hoeryong city, Mount Chilbo is a scenic area with stunning natural landscapes such as waterfalls, lakes and mountains that attract many visitors every year.

Please note that travel to North Korea is heavily restricted by its government authorities for foreign visitors so it’s important to check with your embassy before planning any trip there or consult with registered travel agencies specialized in this type of tourism if possible at all times due to current international sanctions on this country which may affect tourism activities as well as other aspects related to traveling there safely as a tourist or visitor from abroad.




Parks and Recreation

  1. Hoeryŏng is a small city in North Korea, located near the border with China and Russia.
  2. Due to its remote location and limited resources, it is not known for having many public parks or recreational activities.
  3. However, there are still some options for outdoor activities in Hoeryŏng.
    • Hoeryong City Park, which is a small park located near the center of town that features a few benches, trees, and a statue of Kim Il-sung.
    • Taehongdan Revolutionary Site, which is a historical site about 30km north of Hoeryŏng where Kim Il-sung launched his guerrilla campaign against Japanese colonial rule in 1935. The site includes several monuments, museums, and hiking trails.
    • Mount Kumgang, which is about 120km southeast of Hoeryŏng and offers various hiking trails along with waterfalls and hot springs. However, access to this area may be restricted due to political tensions between North Korea and South Korea.
    • Fishing could also be an attractive pastime among locals who have access to boats or fishing gear because of its proximity to the Tumen River (which forms part of the border between North Korea and China).
  4. It’s important to note that most outdoor activities in North Korea are heavily regulated by the government; therefore permits or supervision from local authorities are required.
  5. Foreign visitors must also follow strict travel restrictions accompanied by official guides at all times when traveling outside major cities like Pyongyang or Kaesong; hence it’s advisable always to check with relevant authorities before planning any excursions outside these areas.

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