North Korea

I

Introduction

North Korea, officially Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), country in north-eastern Asia that occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea is bordered on the north by China, on the north-east by Russia, on the east by the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in Korea), on the south by South Korea, and on the west by the Yellow Sea. It has an area of 120,538 sq km (46,540 sq mi). The North Korean name for Korea is Choson. The state of North Korea was established in 1948 as a result of the post-World War II Soviet military occupation of the northern portion of the peninsula. The capital and largest city of North Korea is P’yǒngyang.

II

Land and Resources

North Korea is extremely mountainous and marked by deep, narrow valleys. A complex system of ranges and spurs extends across the country in a generally north-eastern to south-western direction. The most prominent mountain range is the Nangnim, in the north-central region. Mount Paektu (2,744 m/9,003 ft), on the Chinese border, is the highest peak. Lowland plains comprise only about one fifth of the total area and are largely confined to the country’s western coast and to the several broad river valleys of the west. Fertile alluvial soils are found in these river valleys. Most of the soils in the mountainous regions lack organic material and are relatively infertile.

A

Rivers and Lakes

Nearly all the major rivers of North Korea rise in the mountains and flow west to the Yellow Sea. The longest river, the Yalu (Amnok), forms part of the border with China. Other streams include the Taedong, Ch’ong-ch’on, and Chaeryong. Of the major rivers, only the Tumen flows to the eastern coast to empty into the Sea of Japan.

B

Climate

North Korea has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average July temperature at P’yǒngyang is 24.4° C (76° F). Winter temperatures at Wǒnsan, in the south, average -3.9° C (25° F) but are considerably lower in the north. Annual precipitation in most parts of the country is about 1,000 mm (40 in) and is concentrated in the summer months.