Hŭich’ŏn, North Korea
Region: Hŭich’ŏn is located in Chagang Province
Geographic Coordinates: 40.170700, 126.276000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 35.0°C (-40°F to 95°F)
Climate: Cold winters, mild springs and autumns, and hot summers with occasional heavy rainfall.
Population: 168180
Language: Korean
Hŭich’ŏn is a city in the northern part of North Korea. It serves as the capital of Chagang Province, Which is located near China’s border. With a population of around 170, 000 people and an area of approximately 1, 200 square kilometers, Hŭich’ŏn boasts natural beauty and historical significance. The city’s mountainous location makes it an ideal destination for tourists interested in hiking and exploring nature. The area surrounding Hŭich’ŏn features many waterfalls, Hot springs, And scenic views that attract visitors from all over North Korea.
Mount Paektu is one of the most popular attractions in Hŭich’ŏn due to its cultural significance. During the Korean War, Hŭich’ŏn played a vital role as it was one of the primary supply routes for Chinese troops fighting alongside North Koreans against American forces. Today, Remnants from this period such as war memorials and museums dedicated to those who fought during this time can be seen by visitors. Aside from its natural beauty and historical importance, H ū ich’ ō n also has a thriving economy based on agriculture and mining.
The city’s proximity to China allows it to engage in cross-border trade which contributes significantly to its economy. Tourism remains relatively low due to strict government regulations on foreign travel within North Korea. However, The domestic tourism industry continues to grow as more North Koreans are allowed greater access within their own country. Overall, H ū ich’ ō n offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Historical significance, And economic opportunity that make it worth exploring for both locals and visitors alike. The combination of stunning landscapes, Lively cultural heritage, And bustling commerce make this city one worth visiting.
- Ch’ŏngryangsan Hotel
- Ryongmun Cavern
- Samhwasa Temple
- Chongsan-ri Cooperative Farm
- Pujon Stone Riverbeds
It is important to note that North Korea has strict tourism regulations and restrictions on where tourists can go and what they can see while visiting the country.
- The Battle of Hŭich’ŏn occurred during the Korean War in 1950 when North Korean forces attacked the city held by South Korean troops, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
- Ri Song-gye, born in Hŭich’ŏn, was a famous general during the Goryeo dynasty who played an essential role in establishing the Joseon dynasty and served as its first prime minister.
- Kang Pan-sok, Kim Il-sung’s mother and born in Hŭich’ŏn, raised her son and instilled revolutionary ideas into him.
- Kim Il-sung Square is one of North Korea’s largest public squares located at Hanchaeyang-ro 26beon-gil, Dong-gu, Huicheon City; it is named after Kim Il-sung who visited several times during his lifetime.
- The Chongryon Headquarters represents ethnic Koreans living outside of North or South Korea but still holds allegiance to either country’s government or ideology; it has its headquarters located at Dong-gu, Huicheon City.
- Jang Song-thaek was Kim Jong-un’s uncle who had significant influence over North Korean politics until he fell out with his nephew and was executed for treason charges.
- Hwang Jang-yop was a high-ranking North Korean defector born in Hŭich’ŏn who developed the ideology of Juche while serving as secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
- The Hŭich’ŏn Revolutionary Site on Mt.Chongryu marks where Kim Il-sung launched an attack against Japanese colonial forces that started his revolutionary career.
- The Hwanghae Province People’s Committee Building served as the provincial government headquarters during the Japanese colonial period and later became a symbol of North Korean resistance against foreign occupation.
- Pak Pong-ju, born in Hŭich’ŏn, is a prominent North Korean politician who served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2019.
- Ponghwa Art Theatre: This is a modern theater that hosts various cultural events and performances.
- Hŭich’ŏn Folklore Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region through exhibits of traditional clothing, agricultural tools, and household items.
- Mausoleum of King Tangun: The legendary founder of Korea’s first kingdom is said to be buried in this mausoleum.
- Samjiyon Grand Monument: This monument commemorates the revolutionary activities of Kim Il-sung in the area during the Japanese occupation.
- Chongryon Revolutionary Site: A historic site that commemorates Kim Il-sung’s revolutionary activities during his youth.
- Paektusan Secret Camps: These camps were used by Kim Il-sung and other revolutionaries as bases for their guerrilla warfare against Japanese colonial rule.
- Mt Paektu National Park: A beautiful natural park with stunning landscapes and hiking trails that lead to Lake Chon at its summit.
- Ryongmun Caves: These caves are known for their unique rock formations and ancient inscriptions dating back to the Goguryeo era (37 BC-668 AD).
- Hŭich’ŏn Folk Festival – This festival is held annually in September and showcases traditional Korean music, dance, and other cultural activities.
- Kimilsungia Flower Festival – This festival is held every year in April to celebrate the birthday of North Korea’s founding father Kim Il Sung. The festival features a display of thousands of Kimilsungia flowers.
- Chosun Expo – This event is a trade fair held every year in May to showcase North Korean products and technologies.
- Taedonggang Beer Festival – Held annually in August, this festival celebrates North Korea’s famous Taedonggang beer with live music performances and food stalls.
- Arirang Mass Games – Held every year from July to September at the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang (near Hŭich’ŏn), this event features a spectacular display of synchronized gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics performed by thousands of participants.
It should be noted that some events may be cancelled or postponed without prior notice due to political tensions or other reasons beyond our control.
- Naengmyeon: This is a cold noodle dish that is popular in the summer months. It is made with buckwheat noodles and served with a spicy sauce.
- Grilled meat: Hŭich’ŏn is known for its grilled meat dishes, particularly pork and beef.
- Kimchi: Like many other parts of Korea, kimchi is a staple in Hŭich’ŏn cuisine.
- Chongpung Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Korean dishes such as bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) and bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and meat).
- Pukhanmun Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in North Korean-style dishes such as naengmyeon and cold buckwheat noodles.
- Songhwa Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of Korean dishes including grilled meats, soups, stews, and seafood.
- Sambongjip Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Korean food including kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), spicy stir-fried pork (dwaeji bulgogi), and tofu soup (soon dubu jjigae).
