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Nampo

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Nampo is a major city located in North Korea. It serves as a vital seaport for the nation. The city sits on the northern shore of the Taedong River estuary. This estuary is where the river meets the sea. Nampo is positioned about 50 km southwest of the capital, Pyongyang. It is currently the country's fourth-largest city by population.

1354 - Nordkorea 2015 - von Nampo nach Käsong (22566905827)
1354 - Nordkorea 2015 - von Nampo nach Käsong (22566905827)

The geography of Nampo is mostly low-lying. About 82% of the city sits below 50 metres in elevation. The landscape forms a wavy plain with mountains in the south and east. These mountains are generally below 100 metres above sea level. The highest points are in the Osok mountain range. Osok-san reaches 566 metres, while Guksabong is 506 metres high. Many rivers and streams flow through this area. These water sources provide excellent conditions for local agriculture.

Nampo has a deep history that spans many eras. Originally, the area belonged to Gojoseon and later to the Goguryeo kingdom. During the Goryeo dynasty, the region was split into six counties. One of these areas eventually became part of Nampo. In the late Goryeo period, the area was named Chungnampo.

Emblem of Jinnampo-bu
Emblem of Jinnampo-bu

During the Japanese occupation, the name was changed to Chinnampo. This change happened after Japanese troops landed during the First Sino-Japanese War.

Landing on Nampho
Landing on Nampho

After liberation, the name reverted to Nampo to remove colonial legacies.

The city's economy is built on heavy industry and maritime activities. Nampo is a primary center for the North Korean shipbuilding industry. It builds various vessels, including cargo ships and warships.

The city also hosts a large Smelter Complex. This facility produces copper, zinc, and lead. Other major industries include steel, glass, and tractor manufacturing. Pyeonghwa Motors is a notable example of industrial activity here. This company has worked to build cars using various kits.

Agriculture and fishing are also vital to the region. The land near the Taedong River is ideal for farming. Farmers use land reclamation to create more space for rice. Currently, 47.8% of agricultural land consists of paddy fields. Another 40% is used for general fields. Orchards make up 8.7% of the land, and mulberry fields cover 2.7%. Ryonggang county is famous for the apples it grows. The fishery industry is also a major part of the west coast economy. The natural environment supports many animals. For example, 76,000 waterbirds visit the lake at the West Sea Barrage.

Transportation connects Nampo to the rest of the country. The Youth Hero Motorway links the city to Pyongyang.

Hero Youth Highway in DPRK
Hero Youth Highway in DPRK

This road was completed in October 2000. It was named to honor the young people who built it. The city also uses a trolleybus system. These electric buses run on overhead wires.

Chinampo-Pyongyang Railway
Chinampo-Pyongyang Railway

In 2021, authorities worked to improve transport by repairing derelict buses. This helped return the service to more normal operations.

Nampo has undergone many administrative changes over time. It was a directly governed city from 1980 to 2004. During that period, it was known as a Chikhalsi. In 2010, it was designated a Special City, or T'ŭkpyŏlsi. The city is divided into five districts called guyŏk and two counties called gun. These include Ch'ŏllima-guyŏk, Kangsŏ-guyok, and Ryonggang-gun. In September 2020, a major redevelopment project was completed. This project gave the city a seaside theme. Many buildings were remodeled in blue, orange, and brown. This helped improve the local appearance and infrastructure.

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🖼️ Images & Media (6)
File:Landing_on_Nampho.jpg
Landing_on_Nampho.jpg
File:Emblem of Jinnampo-bu.svg
Emblem of Jinnampo-bu.svg
File:1354_-_Nordkorea_2015_-_von_Nampo_nach_Käsong_(22566905827).jpg
1354_-_Nordkorea_2015_-_von_Nampo_nach_Käs...
File:Hero Youth Highway in DPRK.jpg
Hero Youth Highway in DPRK.jpg
File:Chinampo-Pyongyang_Railway.jpg
Chinampo-Pyongyang_Railway.jpg
File:Dock_No._2._Nampo,_North_Korea.jpg
Dock_No._2._Nampo,_North_Korea.jpg
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