Tongchon County


T'ongch'ŏn County is a kun, or county, in Kangwŏn province, North Korea. It abuts the Sea of Japan to the north and east. Famous people from T'ongch'ŏn include former Hyundai chairman Chung Ju-yung, who is believed to have been born there.

Administrative divisions

T'ongch'ŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp and 30 ri :

Physical features

The terrain is mountainous in the west, sloping down to the coastal plains in the east. The plains are used for rice cultivation. The area is prone to fog. As elsewhere along the Kangwŏn coast, there are various lagoons.

Economy

Due to the extensive plains, agriculture is a major local industry; in addition to rice, the county produces barley, wheat, oats, millet, maize, soybeans, and potatoes. Lumbering and fishing also play a role.

Tourism

The region has long been a popular destination due to the proximity of Mount Kŭmgang and, in recent years, tourists from South Korea have passed through the area in great numbers.

Transport

;Road
A highway runs along the coastline.
;Rail
T'ongch'ŏn county is served by T'ongch'ŏn Station and five other stations on the Kŭmgangsan Ch'ŏngnyŏn Line of the Korean State Railway.