Samjiyon

Samjiyŏn
삼지연시
Korean transcription(s)
 • Chosŏn'gŭl삼지연시
 • Hancha
 • McCune-ReischauerSamjiyŏn-si
 • Revised RomanizationSamjiyeon-si
View of Samjiyon in 2008
View of Samjiyon in 2008
Map of Ryanggang showing the location of Samjiyon
Map of Ryanggang showing the location of Samjiyon
Map
Samjiyŏn is located in North Korea
Samjiyŏn
Samjiyŏn
Location within North Korea
Coordinates: 41°48′N 128°19′E / 41.800°N 128.317°E / 41.800; 128.317
CountryNorth Korea
ProvinceRyanggang
Administrative divisions10 dong, 6 ri
Area
 • Total1,326.14 km2 (512.03 sq mi)
Elevation
1,381 m (4,531 ft)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total31,471[1]
 • Dialect
Hamgyŏng
Time zoneUTC+9 (Pyongyang Time)

Samjiyŏn is a city in Ryanggang Province, North Korea. It takes its name from three lakes in the city, which are collectively known as the Samjiyŏn. Samjiyŏn is situated near Mount Paektu, and tour groups fly to the city's airport to see the mountain, which holds significance in North Korean mythology. Samjiyon is the least populated city in North Korea.[as of?]

Many houses and buildings in Samjiyŏn have been upgraded in recent decades, and many new buildings, including a recreational centre for youths, were finished in 2005. Popular activities in Samjiyŏn are skiing and various activities for schoolchildren, who use the surrounding area of Mt. Paektu for various scouting-like operations in conjunction with school-led vacations or outings.

In December 2019, Kim Jong-un opened a completed expansion of the existing township, described by state media as a "modern" city with residences and industrial parks.[2] The city was known as a county until the decision of an upgraded its status in December 2019. The modernization of Samjiyon City is to also help boost tourism to North Korea.[3] The city is scheduled to open for international tourists in December 2024. [4]

  1. ^ 조선중앙통계국,2008년 인구 조사 Archived 2010-03-31 at the Wayback Machine,2009년.
  2. ^ Shin, Hyonhee (2 December 2019). "North Korea's Kim celebrates completion of 'modern mountainous city'". Reuters. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  3. ^ "Newstream".
  4. ^ "North Korea to partially reopen for tourism after five years".