Pyongyang

Pyongyang , Chin. Pingyang, Jap. Heijo, city (1993 pop. 2,741,260), capital of North Korea, SW North Korea, on a high bluff above the Taedong River. It is a special city with the status of province. Pyongyang, located near large iron and coal deposits, is a major industrial center; products include iron and steel, machinery, armaments, aircraft, textiles, sugar, rubber, ceramics, and various light manufactures. Korea's oldest city, Pyongyang was founded, according to legend, in 1122 BC by remnants of the Chinese Shang dynasty. Nearby is the reputed grave of the city's legendary founder, the Chinese scholar Ki-tze (Kija). As Lolang, the city served as capital of the Choson kingdom (300-200 BC) and later became (108 BC) a Chinese colony and an important cultural center. It was again capital under the Koguryo (77 BC-AD 668) kingdom and served as an adjunct capital during the Koryo (10th-12th cent.) dynasty. Pyongyang fell c.1594 to the Japanese, who hoped to use it as a base for an invasion of China, but who then destroyed the city. Japanese invaders again devastated Pyongyang in 1894 and 1904. It became the capital of North Korea in 1948. Captured (1950) by UN forces during the Korean War, Pyongyang later fell to the North Koreans. After being ravaged in the war, the city was rebuilt along modern lines. Only six gates remain of Pyongyang's former great walls. Other landmarks include three tombs (1st cent. BC) with remarkable murals, several old Buddhist temples, and the Grand Theatre. Pyongyang is home to many museums, libraries, theatres, and universities. Moran-bong Stadium plays an important part in the city's role as a show place for the nationalistic spectacles of the North Korean government.

Pyongyang Capital of North Korea, in the w of the country, on the River Taedong. An ancient city, it was the capital of the Choson, Koguryo and Koryo kingdoms. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it came under both Japanese and Chinese rule. Pyongyang's industry developed during the Japanese occupation from 1910–45. It became the capital of North Korea in 1948. During the Korean War (1950–53), it suffered considerable damage. Industries: cement, iron and steel, chemicals, machinery, rubber, textiles. Pop. (2002 est.) 2,724,700.