Chongjin-Chilbo Region
Chongjin is the capital of North Hamgyong Province, situated in the northeastern part of the country. Mt. Chilbo is one of the most celebrated mountains of the DPRK and is a must visit when in the area. The region is also separated into Inner Chilbo, Outer Chilbo, and Sea Chilbo. The distance from Pyongyang to Chongjin is around 806km whilst it takes a further 135km to travel from Chongjin to Mt. Chilbo.
Chongjin City
Chongjin City is a port city known for its metal production and features several heavy industries including iron and steel complexes. Light industries also include fisheries and textiles.
Mt. Chilbo
One of the six celebrated mountains of the DPRK and covering an area of over 250km, Mt. Chilbo offers picturesque scenes and is known locally as the Kumgangsan of the North. Its name derives from the myth that seven treasures remain buried in the mountain. It was originally formed by igneous rocks, a result of lava flowing from Mt. Paektu around one million years ago. Various flora and fauna can be found here and the local wildlife thrives in the natural environment.
Kaesim Temple
Nestled on Pothak Hill in Inner Chilbo, the temple was first built in 826 but later rebuilt in 1377 during the Koryo Dynasty. It consists of Taeung Hall, Manse Pavilion, Simgom Hall, Unghyang Hall, Kwanum Hall, and Sansin Hall. A bronze bell originally cast in 1764 still hangs in the Manse Pavilion.
Yombun Revolutionary Site
Situated on the seafront around 4km outside of Kyongsong Town, the revolutionary site is associated with the revolutionary achievements of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Suk. Preserved here are the boating grounds where the President Kim Il Sung shared hobnobs with fishermen and the site where he posed for a picture. There is also a water spring and the Kyesung Peak.
Wall of Kyongsong Town
Built in 1107 the wall measures 2,200m in circumferences and is 7.2m high. Along the wall there are seven fortifications with crenellates and four main gates however, to the present day, only the southern gate remains. The wall is noted as the ancient fortification of a strategically important town, inside which barracks, armouries, governmental offices and residential houses were protected. A moat 3.5m wide and 4.5m deep served as further fortifications. The wall played its role in the defence of the northern part of the region and even played a role against Japanese invaders in the Imjin Patriotic War.
Kyongsong Confucian School
The school was built in 1437 and used to teach Confucianism to children of local aristocrats. Taesong Hall, Myongrun Hall, and Phyungyong Pavilion form the main school buildings though due to destruction caused during the Korean War only certain houses of the Taesong Hall and Phyungyong Pavilion remain.
Jongbuk Temple
Built in 1437 to commemorate the lives of important heroes of the Koryo Dynasty who fought to defend the local area against invaders, the temple provides a good example of the Ri Dynasty architectural style.
