Hyesan, North Korea

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hyesan, North Korea

Region: Ryanggang Province


Geographic Coordinates: 41.400000, 128.183000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 30.0°C (-40°F to 86°F)
Population: 192680
Language: Korean

Hyesan is a city situated in the northern part of North Korea, Near the border with China. It serves as the capital of Ryanggang Province and has a population of around 200, 000 individuals. The city’s picturesque surroundings are encompassed by mountains and forests, Which makes it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts to visit. One of Hyesan’s primary attractions is the Paektusan Revolutionary Site. This historical site holds significance as it was where Kim Il-sung led his guerrilla forces during World War II against Japanese occupation.

Visitors can explore the museum dedicated to Kim Il-sung’s life and achievements along with several monuments and statues. Mount Paektu National Park is another popular destination in Hyesan that covers over 1, 000 square kilometers and includes Mount Paektu, One of North Korea’s most sacred mountains. Tourists can hike up to the summit or take a cable car ride to witness breathtaking views from above.

For those interested in local culture and history, There are several museums worth visiting in Hyesan such as Ryanggang Provincial Museum showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times through modern-day North Korea while Korean Revolution Museum highlights key events leading up to North Korea’s founding. Regarding cuisine, Hyesan offers traditional Korean dishes like kimchi stew and bibimbap but also has its own unique specialties like naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) served with dongchimi (radish water kimchi).

Despite being relatively isolated due to its location near the Chinese border, Both governments are making efforts to increase tourism between China and North Korea which could potentially bring more visitors to this hidden gem in Northern Asia. Overall, Hyesan provides an opportunity for tourists to experience natural wonders along with historical significance within one city making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to North Korea.



Primary Industries

  1. Hyesan is a city situated in the northern part of North Korea, close to the border with China.
  2. The city’s primary economic activities include:
    1. Agriculture
      • A significant industry in Hyesan due to its fertile land and favorable climate.
      • The city produces crops such as rice, maize, potatoes and soybeans.
    2. Mining
      • Another vital industry in Hyesan due to its rich mineral deposits.
      • The city has reserves of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and iron ore.
    3. Manufacturing
      • Also plays a crucial role in Hyesan’s economy.
      • There are several factories that produce textiles, machinery parts paper products and food processing equipment.
    4. Trade
      • An essential aspect of Hyesan’s economy as it serves as an important trading hub between North Korea and China due to its strategic location on the border.
    5. Tourism
      • Not a major industry in Hyesan itself due to limited access for foreigners.
      • Nearby attractions like Mount Paektu draw tourists from other parts of North Korea.
  3. It should be noted that obtaining accurate information about specific industries or businesses within North Korea can be challenging due to government restrictions on media access and reporting within the country.

Noteable History

  1. During the Korean War (1950-1953), Hyesan was an essential center for guerrilla warfare due to its proximity to China’s border. Many North Korean soldiers used it as a base to launch attacks on South Korean and American forces.
  2. Kim Jong-il, the former leader of North Korea, reportedly spent some of his youth in Hyesan while his father fought against Japanese occupation forces in Manchuria.
  3. In 2014, a group of residents from Hyesan were executed for watching South Korean soap operas and distributing them throughout the city.
  4. Reports suggest that poverty and food shortages are widespread in Hyesan due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure.
  5. In recent years, both North Korea and China have made efforts to develop the region surrounding Hyesan into an economic zone that could boost trade between them.

Overall, although not much is known about notable events or people associated with Hyesan specifically, its strategic location near China’s border has made it crucial at various times throughout history.


Museums and Things To See

  1. Hyesan Grand Monument: A large monument dedicated to the Workers’ Party of Korea.
  2. Samjiyon Grand Monument: Located near Hyesan, it is a monument dedicated to Kim Il-sung’s anti-Japanese guerrilla struggle.
  3. Paektusan Revolutionary Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of Kim Il-sung’s revolutionary activities in the Mt. Paektu region.
  4. Hyesan Youth Palace: A cultural center for young people in Hyesan with various facilities for sports, arts, and education.
  5. Ryongmun Caverns: A series of limestone caves located near Hyesan known for its natural beauty and underground lakes.

It is important to note that visiting North Korea as a tourist is highly regulated by the government, and visitors must be accompanied by authorized guides at all times during their stay in the country.



Sports Teams

  • I don’t have up-to-date information on sports teams and their histories in Hyesan, North Korea.
  • However, it is known that North Korea has a strong focus on sports and physical education.
  • The country has participated in various international sporting events including the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Cup.
  • Some popular sports in North Korea include:
    • Football (soccer)
    • Basketball
    • Volleyball
    • Table tennis
    • Wrestling


    Parks and Recreation

    1. Hyesan Youth Park
      • Located in the center of Hyesan city
      • Offers various outdoor activities like hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds
    2. Pujon Waterfall
      • Located on the outskirts of Hyesan
      • Popular spot for hiking and sightseeing
    3. Paektu Mountain National Park
      • Covers much of the surrounding area around Hyesan city
      • Large nature reserve with numerous hiking trails and camping areas
    4. Jangsuwon Recreation Ground
      • Amusement park located near downtown Hyesan
      • Rides and games for children
    5. Taehung Youth Hero Mine Museum
      • Dedicated to showcasing the history of mining in North Korea with interactive exhibits

    It’s essential to note that this information may change due to various reasons such as political instability or natural disasters etc., so it’s always best to check official sources before planning any travel or recreational activities in North Korea.


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