Hamhung

Hamhŭng is a very important city in North Korea. It is the second-most populous city there and also a big port where many ships come and go. This makes it a key place for trade and industry.

The city is the capital of South Hamgyŏng Province and is the largest city in that area of the Korean Peninsula. It was carefully planned and built by the North Korean Government, showing how the country organizes its major cities.

Because of its size and location, Hamhŭng plays a big role in the country's economy and transportation.

Administrative divisions

Hamhŭng is divided into 7 guyŏk (wards):

Geography

Hamhŭng is a city in northeast North Korea, located on the left branch of the Ch'ŏngch'ŏn River. It sits on the Hamhŭng plain in South Hamgyŏng Province, with its highest point being Mount Tonghŭng.

The city has a humid continental climate, which means it has warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Because it is near the Sea of Japan, the winters are a bit warmer and the summers a bit cooler than in other places at the same latitude. This climate helps crops grow during the longer warm periods.

History

The city was known as Hamju or Hamjumok in old records. It received its current name, Hamhung, in 1416.

During World War II, it was called Kankō under Japanese rule. In 1945, it was freed by the Red Army. Sadly, much of the city was destroyed during the Korean War by American air raids. Later, from 1955 to 1962, East Germany helped rebuild the city.

In 1995, during a serious food shortage, some soldiers marched toward Pyongyang but the situation was stopped. The city suffered greatly during the North Korean famine of the 1990s. Today, foreigners can visit Hamhung through approved tours.

Economy

Hamhung has many different jobs and industries, making it unique compared to other cities in North Korea. The rural areas around Hamhung are used for farming and sharing food with the community. These farms grow rice in paddies, along with other crops.

The city is also a key place for chemical production and serves as a major port for North Korean trade. Factories in Hamhung make textiles (especially a special fabric called vinalon), metal goods, machinery, refined oil, and processed food. The famous 2·8 vinalon union enterprise is located here.

Transportation

Hamhung is an important place for travel, linking eastern ports and areas farther north. The city has a train station called Hamhung Station on the Pyongra Line railway. It also has an airport named Sondok Airport.

The city has a network of trolleybuses that began in 1973. More lines were added in 1991, connecting Hamhung station to the Hungnam area. Some of these lines have since closed, but the trolleybuses continue to serve the city.

Culture

Hamhŭng is home to the largest theatre in North Korea, called the Hamhŭng Grand Theatre. The city also has a national museum where people can learn about its history and culture.

One special food from Hamhŭng is Naengmyeon, a cold noodle dish made from buckwheat. Unlike the cold noodles from Pyongyang, Hamhŭng’s version is often spicier and comes with more tasty toppings.

Education

Hamhŭng has several important schools, including the Hamhung University of Education, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry, and the Hamhung University of Pharmacy. There are also professional colleges such as the Hamhŭng College of Quality Control and the Hamhŭng Hydrographic and Power College.

In 2018, the South Hamgyong Sci-Tech Library, the biggest science and technology library outside of Pyongyang, opened in the city.

Prisons

There are two special places near Hamhung where people are sent to learn new ways to behave. One is called Kyo-hwa-so No. 9 and it is located in the northeastern part of Hamhung. The other is Kyo-hwa-so No. 22, which is found in Yonggwang County to the north of Hamhung.

People born in Hamhŭng

Some well-known people were born in Hamhŭng. These include Yi Seonggye, the founder of the Chosŏn dynasty, which was Korea's last royal line. Other notable individuals include South Korean writer Ahn Soo-kil, Korean American writer Richard E. Kim, Korean Canadian mathematician Rimhak Ree, South Korean ceramic artist Yoon Kwang-cho, and Yang Hyong-sop, who served as President of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1984 to 1998.

Twin towns – sister cities

Hamhung has a special friendship with another city. It is twinned with Shanghai in the People's Republic of China since 1982. This means the two cities work together and support each other in many ways.