Nyongbyon County
Nyŏngbyŏn County (also Ryŏngbyŏn; in standard Southern dialect: Yŏngbyŏn) is a county in North Pyŏngan province, North Korea. It borders the cities of Kaechŏn and Anju, and covers an area of 504 km².
Nyŏngbyŏn County
녕변군 | |
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| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Chosŏn'gŭl | 녕변군 (영변군) |
| • Hancha | 寧邊郡 |
| • McCune-Reischauer | Nyŏngbyŏn-gun |
| • Revised Romanization | Nyeongbyeon-gun (Yeongbyeon-gun) |
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| Country | North Korea |
| Province | North P'yŏngan |
| Administrative divisions | 1 ŭp, 1 workers' district, 26 ri |
Description
The city was heavily fortified during the 15th century as a result of its strategic position, and during the Josŏn Dynasty, became a retreat for the aristocratic ryangban due to its fantastic scenery. The city's Yaksan, meaning medicine mountain, was well known for its azaleas; the modern poet Kim So-wol wrote one of his best-known poems on this subject. Two other mountains, Yaksan-dongdae, east of Yaksan, and Moran Hill are also scenic spots. Nyŏngbyŏn also houses many important relics, including the Chŏnju and Soun Buddhist temples, dating from 1345 and 1684 respectively; the Ryuksung Pavilion, famous for "six scenic views" of Nyŏngbyŏn; and the Ch'ŏl'ong Castle, built to protect the city during the Ri Dynasty. The south gate of Nyŏngbyŏn, called Mannomun, is also nearby.
Administrative divisions
Nyŏngbyŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp (town), 1 rodongjagu (workers' district) and 26 ri (villages):
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Economy
The Nyŏngbyŏn Nuclear Scientific Research Centre, a major component of the North Korean nuclear program, is located here.
Transportation
The Chŏngnyŏn Pharwŏn Line of the Korean State Railway passes through Nyŏngbyŏn county.
