Wonsan

Wŏnsan
원산시
Korean transcription(s)
 • Chosŏn'gŭl원산시
 • Hancha
 • McCune-ReischauerWŏnsan-si
 • Revised RomanizationWonsan-si
Clockwise from top: view of Wonsan, Wonsan Department Store, view from Tongymyong Hotel, view of Wonsan port, street in Wonsan, Songdowon International Children's Union Camp
Map of Kangwon showing the location of Wonsan
Map of Kangwon showing the location of Wonsan
Map
Wŏnsan is located in North Korea
Wŏnsan
Wŏnsan
Location within North Korea
Coordinates: 39°08′51″N 127°26′46″E / 39.14750°N 127.44611°E / 39.14750; 127.44611
Country North Korea
ProvinceKangwŏn
RegionKwandong, Kwannam (before 1946)
Settledc. 1800
Divisions45 dong, 14 ri
Area
 • Total269 km2 (104 sq mi)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total363,127
Time zoneUTC+9 (Pyongyang Time)

Wonsan (Korean pronunciation: [wʌn.san]), previously known as Wonsanjin (元山津), is a port city and naval base located in Kangwon Province, North Korea, along the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, on the Sea of Japan and the provincial capital. The port was opened by occupying Japanese forces in 1880. Before the 1950–1953 Korean War, it fell within the jurisdiction of the then South Hamgyong province, and during the war, it was the location of the Blockade of Wonsan. The population of the city was estimated at 329,207 in 2013. Notable people from Wonsan include Kim Ki-nam, a diplomat and former Vice Chairman of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

In 2013, it was announced that Wonsan would be converted into a summer destination with resorts and entertainment.[1] Having spent his childhood years there, Kim Jong Un has expressed significant interest in developing the region, with the construction of new infrastructure such as Kalma Airport, a dual-use civilian international airport and military proving ground. A state corporation, the Wonsan Zone Development Corporation, has been established with feasibility studies for a wide variety of hotels and commercial and industrial development.[2]

  1. ^ Ryall, Julian (27 June 2013). "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un orders the creation of nation's first beach resort". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  2. ^ Park, Ju-Min; Pearson, James (10 October 2017). "Special Report: In Kim Jong Un's summer palace, fun meets guns". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 10, 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.