Wonsan, North Korea
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Wŏnsan 원산시 |
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|---|---|
| Municipal City | |
| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Chosŏn'gŭl | |
| • Hancha | |
| • McCune-Reischauer | Wŏnsan-si |
| • Revised Romanization | Wonsan-si |
View of Wonsan
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 Wŏnsan
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| Coordinates: 39°08′51″N 127°26′46″E / 39.14750°N 127.44611°ECoordinates: 39°08′51″N 127°26′46″E / 39.14750°N 127.44611°E | |
| Country |
 North Korea
|
| Province | Kangwŏn |
| Region | Kwandong, Kwannam (before 1946) |
| Settled | c. 1800 |
| Divisions | 45 dong, 14 ri |
| Area | |
| • Total | 269 km2 (104 sq mi) |
| Population (2013) | |
| • Total | 329,207 |
Wŏnsan (Korean pronunciation: [wʌn.san]) is a port city and naval base located in Kangwŏn Province, North Korea, along the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, on the Sea of Japan (East Sea) 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 Hamgyŏng province, and during the war it was the location of the Blockade of Wŏnsan. The population of the city was estimated at 329,207 in 2013. Notable people from Wŏnsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Korean Workers' Party. The city has several major factories.
In 2013, it was announced that Wŏnsan would be converted into a summer destination with resorts and entertainment. Having spent his childhood years there, Kim Jong Un has expressed significant interest in further 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 Wonson Zone Development Corporation has been established with feasibility studies for a wide variety of hotels, commericial, and industrial development.
Wonsan has also been known as Yonghunghang, Yuan shan in China, Genzan or Gensan in Japan, and Port Lazareva or Port Lazareff in Russia.
Wŏnsan's area is 269 square kilometres (104 sq mi). It is located in Kangwŏn Province, on the westernmost part of the Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea) and the east end of the Korean peninsula's neck. Mt. Changdok (Changdok-san) and Mt. Nap'al (Nap'al-san) are located to the west of the city. More than 20 small islands flank Wŏnsan's immediate coastal area, including Hwangt'o Island and Ryŏ Island. Wŏnsan is considered an excellent natural port location. Kŭmgang-san mountain is located near Wŏnsan.
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