Samjiyon
Samjiyŏn is a city in Ryanggang Province, North Korea. It takes its name from three lakes in the city, which are collectively known as the Samjiyŏn. Samjiyŏn is situated near Mount Paektu, and tour groups fly to the city's airport to see the mountain, which holds significance in North Korean mythology. Samjiyon is the least populated city in North Korea
Samjiyŏn
삼지연시 | |
|---|---|
| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Chosŏn'gŭl | 삼지연시 |
| • Hancha | 三池淵市 |
| • McCune-Reischauer | Samjiyŏn-si |
| • Revised Romanization | Samjiyeon-si |
View of Samjiyon in 2008 | |
Map of Ryanggang showing the location of Samjiyon | |
Samjiyŏn Location within North Korea | |
| Coordinates: 41°48′N 128°19′E | |
| Country | North Korea |
| Province | Ryanggang |
| Administrative divisions | 10 dong, 6 ri |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,326.14 km2 (512.03 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,381 m (4,531 ft) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Total | 31,471 |
| • Dialect | Hamgyŏng |
| Time zone | UTC+9 (Pyongyang Time) |
Many houses and buildings in Samjiyŏn have been upgraded in recent decades, and many new buildings, including a recreational centre for youths, were finished in 2005. Popular activities in Samjiyŏn are skiing and various activities for schoolchildren, who use the surrounding area of Mt. Paektu for various scouting-like operations in conjunction with school-led vacations or outings.
In December 2019, Kim Jong-un opened a completed expansion of the existing township, described by state media as a "modern" city with residences and industrial parks. The city was known as a county until the decision of an upgraded its status in December 2019. The modernization of Samjiyon City is to also help boost tourism to North Korea (DPRK).