Kaesong
(1993 pop. 335,000). Kaesong is located in southern North Korea (People's Democratic Republic of Korea), 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of the capital city of P'yongyang and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Panmunjom near the Demilitarized Zone. The city has been under direct administration of thecapital since 1955. Kaesong was the capital of the Koryo kingdom (918–1392) and an important commercial center during the Choson dynasty (1392–1910).
Chinese and North Korean officials at Kaesong in August 1951 where talks were held to end the Korean War. (HULTON-DEUTSCH COLLECTION/CORBIS)The city prides itself on its rich cultural heritage. Major historic sites include the Southern Gate of the Kaesong fortress built between 1009 and 1029, the Sonjuk Bridge, the Kaesong Observatory, and several temples. The site of the Songgyun Institute, once the Koryo dynasty's premier educational institution, has been transformed into the Koryo Museum, which displays many artifacts unearthed in and around Kaesong. Of the Koryo royal palace of Manwoldae, built in 918 CE and destroyed in 1361 CE, only an elevated platform and foundation stones remain.
Several royal Koryo tombs are located on the outskirts of the city, such as the tomb of King Wang Kon (918–943), the founder of the Koryo dynasty, and the tomb of the thirty-first Koryo king, Kongmin (1352–1374), and his queen. Kaesong is known for the production of ginseng and products derived from it. Other industries include textiles, food processing, and machinery.
Further Reading
Panorama of Korea. (1999) P'yongyang, North Korea: Foreign Language Publishing House.
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