Pyongyang

views updated May 09 2018

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.