Travel Guide Hamhung 함흥시

Hamhung is the second most populated city in North Korea and is also the capital of South Hamgyong province. Yi Seonggye, the founder of the Choson dynasty, the last royal lineage of Korea was born there in 1335. The latest official figures indicate a population of 874,000 in 2005. Not much remains of the city as it was before the Korean War, nearly 90% destroyed and then occupied by South Korean troops between October and December 1950. The city was rebuilt with funds from East Germany and Soviet Russia.Hamhung, an industrial city, is home to several chemical, machinery and textile manufacturing plants. Rumours have it that the chemical facilities are partly used to produce methamphetamines sold abroad for the benefit of the country's government. The city is also sadly known for the two reformatory camps (which obviously cannot be visited) and whose productions are sold abroad.The city was only recently opened to tourists, which explains the astonishment of passers-by when they see Western people. The most visited points of interest are the Hungnam fertilizer factory, the city theatre, and the Kuchon Pavilion (a kind of large fortified gate), built in the early 12th century as a watchtower. Visitors will have to test the cold potato-based noodles and organize a shell barbecue, the city's specialty.