Port city in Kangwon Province, North Korea
About Wonsan
Wonsan, previously known as Wonsanjin (元山津), is a port city and naval base located in Kangwon Province, North Korea, on the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, on the Sea of Japan. It is the provincial capital. The port was opened by Japanese forces in 1880.
Name
Wonsan has also been known as Yonghunghang, Yuanshan in Chinese, Genzan or Gensan in Japanese, and Port Lazareva or Port Lazarev in Russian.
History
Evidence of humans living in the area during the Neolithic period and Bronze age was found in the Chungpyongdong (Now promoted to ri) area, where pottery was found. The area was called Eo eul mae (於乙買) and Chonjung county (泉井郡), when it was under the rule of Goguryeo, and became Jungchon county (井泉郡) after it incorporated into the kingdom of Silla in 681. After Taejo of Goryeo conquered the region, the region was renamed as yongju (湧州) where it was ruled by a special defense administrator. The area was renamed again as Uiju (宜州), and a fortress was constructed in 1108. From 1258 to 1356, it was part of the Ssangseong Prefectures. In 1854, the Russian Empire surveyed the area and found it highly desirable. Wonsan opened as a trade port in 1880. Its original name was Wonsanjin (元山津), but it was also known by the Russian name of Port Lazarev (Lazaref). …
Geography
Wonsan's area is 269 square kilometres (104 sq mi). It is located in Kangwon Province, on the westernmost part of the Sea of Japan and the east end of the Korean peninsula's neck. Mt. Changdok (Changdok-san) and Mt. Nap'al (Nap'al-san) are located to the west of the city. More than 20 small islands flank Wonsan's immediate coastal area, including Hwangt'o Island and Ryo Island. Wonsan is considered an excellent natural port location. Mount Kŭmgang is located near Wonsan.
Food
Due to it being a coastal city, seafood is commonly consumed in Wonsan. Wonsan is known for many local seafood delicacies including boiled rice with clam meat, a speciality of Kangwon Province.
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