Samjiyon

This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2019)

Samjiyŏn 삼지연시
Municipal City
Korean transcription(s)
• Chosŏn'gŭl	삼지연시
• Hancha	三池淵市
• McCune-Reischauer	Samjiyŏn-si
• Revised Romanization	Samjiyeon-si
View of Samjiyon in 2008
Map of Ryanggang showing the location of Samjiyon
Samjiyŏn Location within North Korea
Coordinates: 41°48′N 128°19′E / 41.800°N 128.317°E / 41.800; 128.317
Country	North Korea
Province	Ryanggang
Administrative divisions	10 dong, 6 ri
Area
• Total	1,326.14 km2 (512.03 sq mi)
Elevation	1,381 m (4,531 ft)
Population  (2008)
• Total	31,471[1]
• Dialect	Hamgyŏng
Time zone	UTC+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]