Unjon County


Unjŏn County is a kun, or county, in North P'yŏngan province, North Korea. It borders T'aech'ŏn to the north, Pakch'ŏn to the east and southeast, and Chŏngju to the north. To the south, it looks out on the Yellow Sea. Unjŏn county was created in 1952 from portions of Pakch'ŏn county and Chŏngju city, and subsequently reorganized in 1954 and 1958.

Geography

The terrain is relatively gentle, with low mountains in the west and plains to the south and east. The highest of the western peaks is Mogusan. The chief plain is the Unjŏn Plain, which is formed by the 40-kilometer course of the Changp'och'ŏn stream, which flows into the Taeryŏng River. There are several islands offshore, including Unmudo and Hyesŏngdo. Some 40% of the county's land is taken up by forestland.

Administrative divisions

Unjŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp and 25 ri :

Climate

The year-round average temperature is 9.1 °C, with a January average of -7.3 °C and an August average of 23.7 °C. The climate is slightly wetter than average for North Korea, with an annual rainfall of 1230 mm.

Economy

40% of Unjŏn's area is cultivated, with extensive rice cultivation as well as maize, soybeans wheat, and barley. In addition, Unjŏn leads the province in fruit production. Its livestock industry is centred on hog farming. Fishing is also carried out, and graphite and mica are mined. There are also various factories. Salted fish and salted soy sauce are produced, and the county is known for its handicrafts and ceramics.

Transportation

The P'yŏngŭi Line of the Korean State Railway, running between Sinŭiju and P'yŏngyang, passes through Unjŏn county.