Rason

Rason
ASDFGHJ (talk) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Rason
Settlement type	Special city
Coordinates	42.3417, 130.3917
Subdivision name	North Korea
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	North Hamgyong
Area total km2	746
Population total	196,954
Population as of	2008
Timezone	Pyongyang Time
Utc offset	+9

Rason, also known as Rajin-Sonbong, is a Special city in North Korea, located in the northeastern part of the country, bordering China and Russia. It is situated near the Tumen River and the Sea of Japan, and is part of the North Hamgyong province. The city has a population of around 200,000 people, according to the 2008 North Korea census, and is known for its free economic zone, which was established in 1992 with the help of China and Russia. The city is also home to the Rason Airport, which offers flights to Pyongyang and other domestic destinations, as well as international flights to Vladivostok and Shenyang.

Geography

Rason is located in the northeastern part of North Korea, near the border with China and Russia. The city is situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and is surrounded by the Tumen River to the north and the East Korea Bay to the south. The city's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with many beaches and ports along the coastline. The city is also home to several islands, including Ungdo Island and Nan-do Island. The city's climate is influenced by its coastal location, with cold winters and mild summers, similar to the climate of Vladivostok and Hokkaido. The city is also prone to typhoons, which can bring heavy rain and strong winds, similar to the Typhoon Maemi that affected the city in 2003.

History

Rason has a long history, dating back to the Goguryeo era, when it was an important trading center. The city was also an important location during the Joseon Dynasty, when it was a major port for trade with China and Japan. In the late 19th century, the city was occupied by Japan, and was known as Rashin. After World War II, the city was returned to North Korea, and was renamed Rason. In the 1990s, the city was designated as a free economic zone, with the help of China and Russia, and has since become an important center for trade and commerce, with companies such as Hyundai and Lotte investing in the city. The city has also hosted several international events, including the Rason International Trade Fair and the Pyongyang International Film Festival.

Economy

Rason's economy is driven by its free economic zone, which was established in 1992. The city is home to several major industries, including textiles, food processing, and shipbuilding. The city is also an important center for trade, with several major ports and warehouses. The city's economy is also driven by its tourism industry, with several major attractions, including the Rason Museum and the Ungdo Island. The city has also been investing in its renewable energy sector, with the help of companies such as Siemens and Vestas. The city has also been working to develop its information technology sector, with the help of companies such as Samsung and LG Electronics.

Infrastructure

Rason's infrastructure is well-developed, with several major roads and highways connecting the city to other parts of North Korea. The city is also home to the Rason Airport, which offers flights to Pyongyang and other domestic destinations, as well as international flights to Vladivostok and Shenyang. The city is also connected to the Trans-Siberian Railway, which runs from Moscow to Vladivostok. The city has also been investing in its telecommunications sector, with the help of companies such as China Mobile and KT Corporation. The city has also been working to develop its public transportation system, with the help of companies such as Hyundai Rotem and Bombardier Transportation.

Culture

Rason's culture is influenced by its location on the border with China and Russia. The city is home to several major cultural attractions, including the Rason Museum and the Ungdo Island. The city is also known for its traditional festivals, including the Rason International Trade Fair and the Pyongyang International Film Festival. The city has also been investing in its education sector, with the help of universities such as Kim Il-sung University and Pyongyang University of Science and Technology. The city has also been working to develop its sports sector, with the help of teams such as the April 25 Sports Club and the Pyongyang FC.

Administration

Rason is a Special city in North Korea, and is administered directly by the central government. The city is divided into several major districts, including the Rajin District and the Sonbong District. The city is also home to several major institutions, including the Rason People's Committee and the Rason City People's Court. The city has also been working to develop its foreign relations, with the help of countries such as China, Russia, and South Korea. The city has also been investing in its diplomatic relations, with the help of organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union.

Category:Cities in North Korea