Kwaksan

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Kwaksan
Chosŏn'gŭl 곽산군
Hancha
McCune-Reischauer Kwaksan kun
Revised Romanization Gwaksan-gun
Statistics
Area 374.5 km² (144.6 sq mi)
Administrative divisions 1 ŭp, 19 ri

Kwaksan is a kun, or county, in coastal southern North Pyongan province, North Korea. It faces the Yellow Sea to the south. By land, it is bordered by Kusong in the north, Chongju in the east, and Sonchon in the west.

Numerous small rivers meet the sea in Kwaksan, including the Tongrae, Sasong, and Sachon (사천강). There are 15 islands off the coast, which measures 67 km in total. The year-round average temperature is 9.2 °C, with a January mean of -8.2 °C and an August average of 23.7 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1380 mm. Forestland occupies 46.5% of the county's area, and is 80% pine; cultivated land occupies 30% of the area, and is 50% rice paddies.

The chief crops are rice, maize, apples, and peaches. Silkworms and livestock are also raised, and fishing also contributes to the local ecnonomy. The Pyongui Line passes through the county on its way between Pyongyang and Sinuiju.

Local attractions include a five-story stone pagoda dating from the Koryŏ period in Wonha-ri, and the Rŭngsan fortress (릉산성), established in 996 by the general Seo Hui.

The only institution of higher learning in the county is a technical school.

[edit] References

  • International Information Research Institute (국제정보연구소) (1999). "곽산군", 北韓情報總覽 2000 [Bukhan jeongbo chong-ram 2000]. Seoul: Author, 841-842. 

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