Wŏnsan

Wŏnsan, city, capital of Kangwŏn do (province), southeastern North Korea. Situated on the coast of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), about 80 miles (130 km) east of P’yŏngyang, it is protected by two promontories and 20 islands in the Yŏnghŭng Bay and has the best natural harbour along the east coast of Korea. During the Chosŏn dynasty (1392–1910) it was a market, fishing, and warehousing centre under the name of Wŏnsanjin. It became a commercial port in 1880. Rail lines were constructed to the southwest to Seoul in 1914, to northeastern cities in 1928, and west to P’yŏngyang in 1941.

After independence in 1945 the city’s major economy shifted from trade to fishing and marine products. Its petroleum refineries and other facilities, damaged by bombing during the Korean War, have been rebuilt. Wŏnsan’s industries include shipbuilding and railway, chemical, and textile manufacturing. Wŏnsan has also become a cultural, educational, and medical centre. The beaches of Songdowŏn, Myŏngsan, and Simp’o-ri, on the eastern coast of the city, are known for bathing and recreation. Pop. (2008) 328,467.