Pyongyang: The Ancient Capital of Korea
A Historical City with a Rich Past
Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is one of the oldest cities in Korea. Its history dates back to the Gojoseon Kingdom, established in 2333 BC. It later became the capital of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BC - 668 AD) and the secondary capital of the Goryeo Kingdom (918 - 1392).
A Modern Metropolis
After the establishment of North Korea in 1948, Pyongyang became its de facto capital. Today, it is a province-level municipality and the largest city in the country. It houses approximately 2.75 million inhabitants. Pyongyang is located in the west-central part of North Korea, on the Taedong River. It is situated about 30 miles (48 km) inland from the Korea Bay of the Yellow Sea. The city covers a flat area on both sides of the river and has expanded northward and eastward towards low mountains.
A City of Contrasts
Pyongyang is both a modern metropolis and a city with a rich cultural heritage. It boasts numerous historical sites and monuments, including the Pyongyang Castle, the Arch of Triumph, and the Mansudae Grand Monument. However, Pyongyang is also a closed city, with restricted access for foreigners. The North Korean government tightly controls the flow of information and people, making it difficult to obtain accurate information about the daily lives of its citizens.
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