DPRK: minerals. Report an error What mineral resources are there in the DPRK?

SOUTH KOREA. South Korea occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Area 98.5 thousand km2. Population: about 41 million people (1984). The capital is Seoul. Administratively, it consists of 9 provinces; The cities of Seoul and Busan are separated into separate administrative units. The monetary unit is the won.

General characteristics of the farm. South Korea's gross national product in 1984 was $80.4 billion. In the structure of the gross national product in 1982, the mining and manufacturing industries accounted for (%) 28.9 (including the extraction and processing of mineral raw materials - 1.5), agriculture, forestry and marine fishing - 14.5, construction - 7 ,8, transport, communications and warehousing - 8.6, electric power, water and gas supply -2.2. The South Korean economy is characterized by a clearly defined export orientation. The South Korean economy is highly dependent on imports: its share in the gross national product was 38% (1984). In many sectors of the economy, the dominant position is occupied by national financial-industrial groupings with clear signs of a monopolistic association. In 1981, the total sales of the 30 largest financial and industrial groups were equivalent to 60% of the gross national product. The public sector, consisting of 25 large corporations, plays a significant role in the economy. Key positions in the economy are occupied by Japanese and American capital, and the monopolies of Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and other capitalist countries are actively developing their activities. The total capacity of power plants in South Korea is 14.2 million kW (1984). There are 3 nuclear power plants in the country with a total capacity of about 1.9 million kW. Structure of the fuel and energy balance (1984%): oil 48.8, 24.3, nuclear energy 13.5, hydropower 8.5, wood and peat fuel 4.9. South Korea was 74.5% dependent on energy imports in 1982. The length of railways is 54 (1983) thousand km, highways - 6 thousand km. Port cargo turnover is 108.5 million tons (1982). The main seaports are Busan, Incheon, Ulsan, Gunsan, Mokpo, Pohang, Yeosu.

Most of the coals are anthracite. The main anthracite basins are in the east-central part of South Korea, confined to areas of development of Upper Paleozoic deposits. In the western part of Gyeongsangbuk-do province is the Mungyeong basin, in Jeollanam-do province is the Hwasun basin. The Mesozoic anthracite basins of Gimpo, Chungnam and Waegwan are located in Gyeonggi, Chungcheongnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do provinces, respectively. The number of coal seams is 4-6, thickness is 4-9 m. In the Kangwon Basin, the depth of coal seams is 350-570 m. The most inconsistent in thickness and length are the Mesozoic coal seams. Anthracite is silty, less often massive, lumpy. The specific lower heat of combustion of coal is from 21 to 30 MJ/kg, volatile yield is 3.5-9.15%, S content is 0.44-0.5%, ash content is 10-41%.

South Korea has only small iron ore deposits. There are sedimentary-metamorphic hematite, contact-metasomatic, skarn-related, magnetite-hematite, hydrothermal vein hematite and magmatic titanomagnetite deposits. The most important centers of iron ore mining are the Yangyang mines (Gangwon Province) with reserves of 3.1 million tons of ore, Mulgym with reserves of 2 million tons of ore, and Ulsan (both in Gyeongsangnam-do Province). Iron ores are also mined in the deposits of Samhwa, Hongchungyang, Samcheok, Okke (Gangwon Province), Gwangyang (Gyeonggi Province), Seosan, Yeongdong (Chungcheongbuk-do Province), Gimhae, Busan (Gyeongsangnam-do Province) and on the Seoyeonpyeong Islands. and Porymdo. The deposits are represented by sheet- and lens-shaped deposits of massive ores with a Fe content of 30-51%.

Minor deposits of manganese ores are represented by vein bodies in various rocks (Gyeongju, Yonghwa deposits, etc.), oxidized ores in the form of sheet and lens-shaped deposits among rhodochrosite limestones (Yanggu mine, Jeongseon deposit).

In South Korea there are about 100 small deposits of tungsten ores, most of which are represented by quartz-wolframite veins. The bulk of tungsten reserves are concentrated in the large Sandong scheelite deposit (Gangwon Province). Scheelite skarns occur among metamorphosed carbonate rocks. The main skarn deposit extends for 1.5 km with a thickness of 4-5 m, traced at a depth of 250 m. The content of WO 3 in the ores is 0.5-2.5%, Bi and Mo 1-1.5%. Near the Sandon deposit, new scheelite deposits were discovered with total reserves of WO 3 82 thousand tons, with predicted reserves of 77 thousand tons; the average WO 3 content in the ore is 0.5%. At the Talsong copper-tungsten deposit (Gyeongsangbuk-do province), the ores contain 0.35% WO 3 .

About 300 small deposits of gold and silver are being developed in South Korea. Deposits of primary ores are represented by quartz gold-silver veins with sulfides, occurring mainly among Precambrian micaceous schists, gneisses and granites. In the southern part of South Korea, gold-bearing veins are known among Cambro-Ordovician limestones and Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sand-shale strata. The average content (g/t) of Au in ores is 10, Ag 50. At the Kunbuk copper-gold ore deposit, the content (g/t) of Au in ores is up to 30, Ag 100. The main deposits of bedrock ores are located in the provinces of Gangwon-do (Hongchon, Hvoinseong), Gyeonggi-do (Yeoju, Anseong), Chuncheon-buk-do (Muguk, Taey, Yeongdong), Chuncheon-nam-do (Cheongyang, Imcheon) and Gyeongsang-buk-do (Gimcheon). Placers of gold are known in the provinces of Chuncheon-buk-do (Chiksan), Jeollabuk-do (Gimje), Gyeongsang-buk-do (Yeondeok, Ponghwa).

Mining. General characteristics. The cost of mineral raw materials in 1982 amounted to 5.2% of the cost of all industrial products. Structure of the mining industry (% of the total value of industry production in 1984): fuel and energy - 70.2, mining of metal ores - 9.8, mining of non-metallic minerals -20.0. In 1983, there were about 12.6 thousand mines and mines in South Korea (82.9% were inactive). Coal occupies a dominant position in the country's fuel industry. The mining industry is represented primarily by the extraction of tungsten, iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, lead-zinc ores, gold and silver ores. Graphite, kaolin, pyrophyllite, talc, fluorite, feldspars, and other non-metallic minerals are also mined (Table 3, map).

In 1975-81, the production growth index in the mining industry was 119.1%, while in the manufacturing industry it was 238.8%. In 1980-82, the number of people employed in the mining industry fell from 124 to 110 thousand. In 1981, 58.4% of those employed in the mining industry were concentrated in the mining sub-sector. In 1984, South Korea produced mineral resources worth $1,074 million. South Korea is a major importer of mineral raw materials and fuels; the country's industry depends on the import of 20 types of mineral raw materials and fuels, and for most of them - by 90% or more. The local mining industry in 1982 100% satisfied the country's needs for raw materials for the production of tungsten and molybdenum, 76% - silver, 75% - zinc, 13% - gold, 8% - ferrous metals, 7% - tin, 1% - copper. South Korea is entirely dependent on imports of bauxite and nickel ore. The main suppliers are the countries of the Southeast, Canada and Australia, fuels are the countries of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Mainly tungsten, molybdenum, talc, kaolin, and graphite are exported. In 1984, revenue from exports of mining products amounted to $166.5 million

Coal mining. Before the oil crisis of 1973, annual coal production in South Korea was 12-13 million tons; as a result of measures to stimulate the development of the coal industry, production increased by the early 80s. up to 21 million tons. Development is carried out by the state corporation "Dai Han Coal Corp.", which operates 6 relatively large mines and produces about 25% of the country's total production (4 mines in the area of ​​Samcheok, Gangwon Province, one in the area of ​​Mungyeong, Gyeongsang Province -Bukdo and one near the city of Hwasun, Jeollanam-do province), as well as numerous private companies, of which only 2 (Tangseoung and Dogyl) mine over 1 million tons of coal per year. The total number of mines, according to various estimates, is 190-300 units, and only 9 of them produce more than 0.5 million tons of coal per year. The remaining mines are small, semi-artisanal, but provide 70% of the private sector's production. The most important field being developed is Samcheok (about 11 million tons per year). The thickness of the developed layers ranges from 0.8 to 2.0 m, the dip angle is on average 40°. Development is carried out almost exclusively underground. The average depth of the mines is 200-300 m, the maximum development depth is 700 m. The mines are highly hazardous. The predominant drilling and blasting method of excavation in long working faces using diagonal wells up to 7 m long. Coal delivery to the haulage drift is gravity-fed. Preparatory workings are also carried out using the drilling and blasting method with removal of coal and rock by loading machines. Wooden support is used. Electric locomotives and conveyors are used for transport.

Extraction of precious metal ores. In South Korea, there are about 1,350 areas of gold-silver and 499 copper-gold-silver ores suitable for exploitation. The most important mines for the extraction of precious metals, developing primary gold deposits: Chokje (Anson deposit in Gyeonggi Province), Kubon and Samkwan (Cheongyang deposit in Chungcheongbuk-do Province). Alluvial gold is mined at the Ponghwa (Gyeongsangbuk-do province) and Gimje (Jollabuk-do province) deposits; the largest mine for the extraction of copper-gold-silver ores is Gwangyang (Jollanam-do province). Exploitation of the Jinju polymetallic deposit (Gyeongsangnam-do province) - underground. The ore contains 1-4% Cu, up to 30 g/t Au and about 100 g/t Ag. Almost 65% of Au and a significant part of Ag is mined by Korea Mining and Smelting Co. In 1983, 2240 kg of Au and 66.6 tons of Ag were mined.

Mining of non-ferrous metal ores. About 50% of the country's copper is extracted from the Talson copper-tungsten ores. A significant part is mined at the Kumpuk mine (Gyeongsangnam-do province). Copper ores are also extracted as a by-product during the exploitation of some copper-gold-silver and lead-zinc deposits. Copper ore mining enterprises are mostly small and provide only 0.5% of the demand for copper ore.

There are about 200 lead-zinc ore mines in South Korea. The Siheung mine develops the Icheon deposit (Gyeonggi Province). The Yonghwa-1 mine produces 622 thousand tons of ore annually, and the Yonghwa-2 mine produces 625 thousand tons of ore. The extraction and enrichment of ores at the Yonghwa-1 and Yonghwa-2 mines is carried out by Young Poong Mining Co. South Korea's self-sufficiency in lead ore is 17%, zinc - 7.3%.

Bismuth concentrate is obtained as a by-product from the processing of ores from the tungsten deposits of Sandong, Talseong and Daejeon. In the ores of the Sandon deposit, the Bi:W ratio is 1:8. Bi production in South Korea decreased from 182 tons in 1960 to 123 tons in 1980. The main producer is Korea Tungsten Mining Co.

The extraction of mining and chemical raw materials is poorly developed, and the volume of production in this sub-industry is falling. In 1981, barite production fell to 0.4 thousand tons. Pyrite production in 1965 amounted to 171 tons, in 1981 - 0.5 thousand tons. Fluorite production is declining. A significant part of it is mined at the Dojeong mine (Jollabuk-do province). South Korea meets its need for fluorite by 43%. Arsenic ores are mined in small quantities: in 1979 - 690 tons (in terms of gray arsenic).

Extraction of non-metallic industrial raw materials. In 1970-83, asbestos production in South Korea increased almost 10 times. The need for asbestos is met by 20%. The largest asbestos mine is Gwancheon (Chungcheongnam-do province).

The main amorphous graphite mines, Wolmyeon and Pongmyeon, are located in Gangwon Province. The Poeun and Yongdong fields in Chungcheongbuk-do province and the Sangju field in Gyeongsangbuk-do province are also being developed. Deposits of crystalline graphite are found in Gyeonggi Province. In 1982, South Korea exported 21.8 thousand tons of graphite to Japan, Indonesia and other countries. The extraction of crystalline graphite is carried out by the company "Shi Heung Graphite Mining Co.". Other types of non-metallic industrial raw materials in South Korea are mined: feldspars, talc, and pyrophyllite.

Extraction of nonmetallic building materials. South Korea is rich in limestone. Its production in 1984 reached 33.5 million tons, compared to 9.1 million tons in 1970. South Korea fully supplies them with the cement industry. The largest kaolin mine is Hadong (Gyeongsangnam-do Province). Of other non-metallic building materials in South Korea in 1981, the following were mined (thousand tons): agaltolite 302.9, kyanite 6.1, mica 10. The largest quartzite mines are located in Changcheong-dong, Yanggu, Chungju.

Geological Survey. Scientific institutions. Geological and mining operations in South Korea are carried out under the guidance of the Mining Bureau of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Korea Mining Promotion Corporation, and the mining registration institutions of the Advanced Industrial Planning Administration. Scientific research in the field of geology and mining is carried out at the Korean Institute of Energy and Mineral Resources (Seoul), as well as at Seoul, Gyeongbuk (in Daegu), Busan and Chonbuk (in Jeonju) universities.

Natural resources of the DPRK

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has a wide variety of resources.

84% of the country's territory is occupied by mountainous landforms, among which there are two main groups of mountains - North Korean and East Korean.

The highest point of the country is Mount Paektusan, 2744 m high, located in the northern part. The North Korean mountains occupy the entire northern part of Korea, forming the Amnokkan Plateau.

The plains occupy 20% of the territory and are located on the coast of the Yellow Sea.

The largest lowland in the country, Pyongyang, has a slightly undulating surface.

There are few lakes, and they are of volcanic and tectonic origin. The most beautiful lake, Cheongji, is located in the crater of the Paektusan volcano.

Mountain ranges are the source of rivers that carry their waters to the west, to the Korean Gulf and the Yellow Sea.

The major rivers are the Yalu River - the river is 790 km long and is the longest. Tumangan, 521 km long, flows into the Sea of ​​Japan, and the third major river flowing through the capital, Taedongan, has a length of 397 km.

North Korea lies within a temperate monsoon climate. The seasons are clearly distinguished - winter is relatively dry and cold, summer is hot and rainy, spring and autumn are relatively dry and mild.

In the northern interior, average January temperatures are -25 degrees, and minimums can drop to -41 degrees.

Sultry summers with temperatures of +23 degrees are typical for the plains and low mountains in the northwest.

The northeastern coast is characterized by warm summers of +20 degrees and mild winters, with a January temperature of -5 degrees.

The southern part of the country has positive temperatures in January and heavy rainfall in summer. There may be typhoons in autumn.

During the year, the country receives from 600 to 1700 mm of precipitation, the maximum of which occurs in June. Snow falls in winter.

Mountain forest brown soils and podzolized brown soils formed in the northern regions. On mountain peaks there are mountain meadows, and in the forest belt brown forests with a large humus horizon are common.

Alluvial soils formed in river valleys, and saline soils formed on the coast of the Yellow Sea.

More than half of the country's territory, namely 75%, is covered with forest, but the forests are secondary - small forests, shrubs, young plantings. Mature forests have been preserved - Siberian, Ayan spruce, white fir, grave pine, common and Korean, preserved only in remote mountainous areas in the north.

In the south, East Asian mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of the boreal belt grow.

The plains are occupied by fields.

The fauna of the forests is represented by fox, wild boar, roe deer, sika deer, wapiti, weasel, otter, and squirrel. There are tiger, leopard, lynx, Ussuri and white-breasted bear.

The world of birds is diverse - sparrow, heron, crane, stork, goose, duck, sandpiper, seagull, cormorant, etc. Among the birds of prey, the Kamchatka eagle is found. Coastal and inland waters are rich in fish, numbering several hundred species.

Minerals of the DPRK

There are more than 200 types of mineral raw materials in the depths of the Republic.

Figure 2. Minerals of the DPRK. Author24 - online exchange of student work

Such fuel resources as coal are represented in the country by anthracite and brown coal. Its total proven reserves are 6.6 billion tons.

Anthracite reserves are located in the Pyongyang Basin, in the middle reaches of the Taedong River, and the East Korean Mountains.

Brown coal reserves are concentrated in the Tumangansky and Anju basins.

The Musan and Yllul iron ore deposits are located in the northeast and west of North Korea. Iron ores occur shallowly and are mined using open-pit mining.

The ore contains iron from 40 to 65%. Ore deposits contain polymetallic ores containing:

• lead and zinc – deposits Komdok, Kandon,
• copper – Kapsan,
• manganese – Kimhwa,
• chrome ores - Puryeong deposits.

Polymetallic ores contain nickel, cobalt, tungsten, and molybdenum.

Rare metals are mined from uranium, zirconium, tantalum, beryllium, as well as native gold and silver. Famous gold deposits are Unsan and Suan.

Among non-metallic minerals, the largest deposit of graphite is being developed, a fairly significant deposit of magnesite in the Tancheon deposit.

Note 1

Magnesite reserves amount to billions of tons. The world's largest magnesite mine is Tehynsky. The depths of the mine contain more than 25% of the world's reserves of magnesite, and of high standard.

In addition to them, there are barite, talc, fluorite, kaolin, kyanite, etc. A barium deposit is being developed.

Resources such as monazite and thorium, discovered in the depths of the country, are used in nuclear energy and the military industry. Mineral resources such as oil, gas, rock and potassium salt have not been explored on an industrial scale.

Note 2

It is estimated that all the country's mineral resources have a total value of 7-10 trillion US dollars. This amount does not include rare earth metals discovered in northern Korea, with an estimated value of several trillion dollars.

Nature conservation in the DPRK

Nature conservation in the country is of a national and national nature. The interests of the population come first.

Environmental issues are included in policy development. A number of laws, for example, the law on environmental protection, the law on the prevention of air pollution, prohibit everything that can negatively affect the environment.

It is interesting that during the construction of new industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants are required to be installed, and dust protection systems are installed in public buildings and populated areas in order to prevent environmental pollution.

The country is full of observation points where the state of atmospheric air and water quality are checked. This is on the one hand, and on the other hand, North Korea, on its small territory, conducted nuclear tests one after another, which is also prohibited by environmental laws.

The consequences of these tests immediately affected both nature and human health, since the level of radioactive contamination in the test area was quite high.

Radiation settling on the soil has a serious impact on the quality of agricultural products, which the country not only consumes, but also exports.

Nature conservation in the country is carried out through such reserves as the Paektusansky reserve, the International Biosphere reserve, and the Ogasansky reserve.

Tree nurseries have been established throughout the country. Every year, residents of the country take part in tree planting in large numbers. Rivers are being streamlined as part of the month.

Research institutes are intensifying their work on the environment. An example of the intensification of this work is the developed device, which can, by means of automatic measurement, show, record and transmit the density of sulfur dioxide in the air.

Not many people associate North Korea with a prosperous power. However, one area in which it is actually rich is in mineral resources.

North Korea responded to the United States to statements about the end of the era of strategic patience, this concerns solving the problem between countries by force. Should we expect another military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula?

More and more often, North Korea is conducting missile tests, causing concern among its neighbors. Moreover, the country even has long-range nuclear missiles, thanks to which they can even reach cities in the United States. However, an attack on the United States or its allies is considered suicide. Against this backdrop, Pyongyang aims to win the favor of the international community by promising to dismantle some of its weapons.

Whatever amount the country provides to North Korea, it will be absolutely nothing in relation to the country’s underground wealth.

Mineral resources of North Korea

The state is rich in mineral deposits, including gold, iron ore, limestone, copper, zinc, graphite and molybdenum. There are approximately 200 varieties of minerals in total. North Korea is rich in rare earth metals, which are used in the manufacture of smartphones and other high-tech products.

North Korea's mineral resources have been valued differently over the years. One of the reasons is the lack of access to them and the high level of secrecy. One South Korean corporation announced a value of over 6 trillion US dollars, and a research institute in the same country gave an estimate of 10 trillion dollars.

Since 1970, North Korea has prioritized the mining sector. Until 1990, the country increased production, its peak occurred in 1985, but then a downward trend emerged. Five years ago, there were 700 mines operating in the DPRK. Most of them were in disrepair or were functioning poorly. The state suffers from a severe lack of experience and equipment and lacks basic infrastructure. This creates difficulties in extracting existing underground resources.

Let us remind you that the DPRK is a communist country in which private mining is prohibited. Kim Jong-un is the head of state, like his father and grandfather. He deported all foreign mining companies from the country or changed the procedure for cooperation with them. But even in such conditions, mineral extraction reaches 14% of the economy.

Mainly, the wealth extracted from the soil is exported to China. In the fall of 2016, the state-run Korea Development Institute reported that even under UN sanctions, trade with China in natural resources accounts for 54% of total trade activity between the countries. A year earlier, Pyongyang supplied the Celestial Empire with $73 million worth of iron ore and $680,000 worth of zinc from January to March alone.

Few people consider North Korea to be a prosperous country. But there is something that it is really rich in: mineral resources.

The country contains huge reserves of minerals, including iron, gold, zinc, copper, limestone, molybdenum, graphite - about 200 types of minerals in total. There are also large quantities of rare earth metals used in the production of smartphones and other high-tech products. Estimates of the value of the country's mineral resources have varied widely over the years and have been complicated by secrecy and lack of access to them. According to one South Korean mining company estimate, they are worth more than $6 trillion. Another research institute from South Korea predicts at $10 trillion.

North Korea has prioritized the development of its mining sector since 1970. But while production increased until about 1990 - and peaked in 1985 - it began to decline after that. In 2012, the number of mines in the country was about 700. Many were poorly functioning and in disrepair. The country lacks the equipment, expertise and even basic infrastructure to properly hit the jackpot that awaits it in the ground. In April, Lloyd R. Vasey, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted: “North Korean mining production has declined significantly since the early 1990s. It is likely that the average operating rate of existing mine facilities is below 30% of capacity. There is a shortage of mining equipment, North Korea is unable to purchase new equipment due to the difficult economic situation, energy shortages, age and the general poor state of the power grid.” Private mining is illegal in communist North Korea, as are private enterprises in general. The ruling regime under third-generation dictator Kim Jong Un has been known to kick foreign mining companies out of the country or suddenly change the terms of agreements. Despite all this, the people are so endowed with underground resources that mining accounts for approximately 14% of the economy.

China is the main consumer of this sector. Last September, South Korea's state-run Korea Development Institute said mineral trade between North Korea remains a cash cow for Pyongyang despite UN sanctions and that it accounted for 54% of North Korea's total trade with China in the first half of 2016. of the year. China imported $73 million worth of iron ore from North Korea in 2015, and $680,000 worth of zinc in the first quarter of this year. North Korea has been particularly active in coal mining in recent years. In 2015, China imported about $1 billion worth of coal from North Korea. Coal remains particularly attractive because it can be mined with relatively simple equipment. Large deposits of the material are located near major ports and on the border with China, which alleviates the problem of poor transport infrastructure in the country.

For years, Chinese buyers have purchased coal from North Korea at a much lower market price. Last summer, coal supplies to China accounted for about 40% of all North Korean exports. But global demand for coal is declining as natural gas and renewables gain momentum. At the beginning of 2017, Beijing, in accordance with UN sanctions, began limiting its neighbor's coal imports. After North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, the UN tightened sanctions against it. In 2016, attention focused on the country's underground resources. In November 2016, the UN adopted a resolution to reduce North Korean coal exports and ban the supply of nickel, copper, zinc and silver. This was followed by a ruling in March 2016 banning the export of gold, vanadium, titanium and rare earth metals.

Of course, Pyongyang is adept at evading such sanctions, especially through maritime transport. Periodically, this covert activity becomes apparent during random interceptions of ships. Earlier in 2017, a UN group of experts concluded that North Korea, despite sanctions, continues to export prohibited minerals.

Geographical position

North Korea (DPRK)

located in eastern Asia, the country occupies the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and the adjacent part of the mainland. The state borders on China in the north and Russia in the northeast. In the south, the DPRK borders the Republic of Korea. From the west the country is washed by the Yellow Sea, from the east by the Sea of ​​Japan. The country owns several small islands in the West Korean Gulf. The capital of the state is the city of Pyongyang. The country's territory is 120,540 km². The terrain of the country is mainly mountainous, with a large number of valleys and ravines. The largest coastal plain areas are in the southwest of the country.

A whole network of short and low mountain ranges and plateaus cover the entire northern and eastern parts of the peninsula. The highest point of the country is Mount Paektu (2750 m). It is located on the border with China.

There are a large number of rivers on the territory of the DPRK: Taedongan, Cheryongan, Choncheongan, Yalujiang (Amnokkan), etc.

In winter, the DPRK receives cold continental air from the mountainous regions of the Asian mainland. The average winter temperature is -4°C in the southern regions and -8°C in the northern regions. In mountainous areas of the country, winter temperatures can drop to -18°C. Quite often there is warming in winter.

In summer, oceanic air masses make the country's climate very humid. The average temperature in summer is +18-22°C.

Precipitation in the Pyongyang area ranges from 800-1000 mm per year, in mountainous areas on the east coast - up to 1500-2000 mm. the greatest amount of precipitation falls during the monsoon (mid-summer) and late autumn. In winter there is usually little snowfall and strong winds often blow.

The best time to visit North Korea is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October).

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

Currently, entry into North Korea is only possible as part of an officially organized group. Visas are issued only for groups. You can obtain a visa through a travel company or at the consular section of the embassy, ​​which is more difficult and will take longer. The travel company must be officially recognized by the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The cost of a tourist visa is about 40 US dollars. Registration of documents usually takes up to 1 month. The visa may be without explanation.

The import and export of foreign currency is permitted; it will need to be declared. For the entire amount spent in foreign currency, the tourist will have to provide documents confirming the legal purchase of goods.

In case of currency exchange, you will need a certificate from the bank. The import and export of national currency is strictly prohibited.

Small amounts of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as well as personal items, can be imported into North Korea duty free. You will have to declare any souvenirs, products made of precious metals, personal computers, photo and video cameras, watches, tape recorders.

It is prohibited to import mobile phones, pagers and laptop computers into the country. If you declare them, they will be returned upon departure from the country. You also cannot import photo, audio, video and household appliances into the country in larger quantities than required for personal needs.

The import of propaganda literature, foreign books about North and South Korea, literature in Korean, pornographic materials, weapons and ammunition, explosives, binoculars, seeds, drugs and narcotic-containing medications is prohibited. Pets, plants and groceries can be imported if special certificates are available.

Customs rules in a country can change quite often.

Population, political status

The population of North Korea is about 24 million people. Ethnically, the largest part of the population is represented by Koreans ("Joseon saram"), there are also a small number of Chinese and Japanese in the country.

The official language of North Korea is Korean. He belongs to the Altai group of the East Asian race. The phonemic letter "Hangul" is used. This is one of the few forms of writing that have survived unchanged from the Middle Ages to the present day. However, the language of the DPRK is different from that of South Korea. People here speak with a distinctive accent and use a large number of idioms borrowed from China and Russia.

The country's largest cities: Pyongyang (2,470,000 people), Chongjin (754,000 people), Nampo (691,000 people), Sinuiju (500,000 people), Wonsai (350,000 people), Kaesong (345,000 people).

North Korea is a democratic republic with a communist form of government. The head of the state and government is the Secretary General of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Chairman of the Defense Committee of the DPRK - Kim Jong Il. The highest government body is the Defense Committee of the DPRK (National Defense Committee).

Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral Supreme People's Assembly. This assembly consists of 678 deputies elected by the people for 5 years.

Administratively, the DPRK consists of 9 provinces (“to” or “do”) and two cities under central control. These cities have the status of provinces.

What to see

Pyongyang is one of the most ancient cities in northeastern Asia. After the Korean War it was rebuilt.

The appearance of Pyongyang is very original and contradictory.

One of the main attractions is the Juche Tower of Ideas. The height of this monument is 170 meters. In front of the tower there is a 30-meter sculptural group of the same name.

The Arc de Triomphe is located on the spot where Kim Il Sung gave his speech about the unity and independence of the nation. It looks very much like Paris.

Nearby you can see the Pyongyang Tower with a panoramic restaurant. The famous huge stadium named after Kim Il Sung is also located here. On the river island of Rungnado there is a stadium named after the First of May. Koreans consider it the largest stadium in the world.

In the city center, on Mansu Hill, you can see the monumental sculptural ensemble of Kim Il Sung and the Museum of the Korean Revolution. The huge statue has become a traditional place of pilgrimage for local residents. The museum building is decorated with a huge mosaic panel of Mount Paektu. This mountain became famous during the war with Japan.

The Liberation Monument stands on Moranbong Hill. It is dedicated to the Soviet wars. The ancient Eulmildae gazebo is also located here. Another famous attraction is the Chollima Monument, or Chollima, a huge statue of a winged horse. It symbolizes progress and prosperity.

Kim Il Sung Square hosts army parades, demonstrations and various events. Here stands the People's Palace of Study. The height of its tower is 55 meters. Tourists must also be shown Kim Il Sung’s home. It is located in Mangyende, near the capital. Here you can also visit an amusement park and the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School. The Kumsusan Memorial Palace is considered a very important attraction. It formerly served as the Palace of Conventions and now houses Kim Il Sung's mausoleum. The Korean Unification Monument was erected above Thongyir Avenue at the southern entrance to Pyongyang.

Of great interest to tourists are the ruins of the Anhakkung Royal Palace and two cascades of fountains on the Taedong River. These fountains are considered to be the tallest fountains in the world.

Pyongyang has many parks and recreation areas. Particularly popular are the Mangyongdae and Daesongsan amusement parks, the Kaesong Youth Park, the Central Zoo and the Central Botanical Garden. The Revolutionary Memorial Cemetery is located nearby. Here you can also see a park with color and musical fountains.

Near the city there are many interesting historical sites: the tomb of King Tangan, the Anak tomb. There are also hot springs and waterfalls here.

The city is located 40 km south of Pyongyang Nampho. It is the main international port and commercial center of the DPRK. The main attraction of the city can be called the Western Sea hydro complex. This structure is a complex 8-kilometer system of dams, dikes and locks at the mouth of the Taedong River.

Near Nampo, tourists can see ancient frescoes from the Goguryeo Empire era, three tombs in Gangso and tombs in the villages of Tokhung and Susan.

75 km southwest of the capital there is a rock massif Kuwolsan.This place is distinguished by its beauty . The Samson resort is located here. Tourists will be interested in the medieval Wolyongsa Temple and ancient fortresses. This place features hot springs and small waterfalls, as well as shrines and palaces from the Silla Kingdom and Joseon Dynasty.

The main attractions of the city are: Goryeo Museum, Seongjuk Bridge, Great South Gate, Yeongbok Temple, Hyunghwa and Gwanum Temples, Songin Monument and Pyeochung Monument. A commemorative stele with a facsimile signature of Kim Il Sung is also of interest.

Around the city you can see the tomb of the first king of Goryeo - Wang Gon, the tomb of King Kongmin and the mausoleum of Queen Kongmin. Not far from Kaesong there is a famous town Panmunjom. The Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed in this city during the war. The famous “38th parallel” is located here - the nominal border between North and South Korea. A separate permit is required to visit Panmunjom.

mountain range Myohyang located 150 km north of the capital. These places are famous for their picturesque nature. In addition, there are historical sites in the area. The main one can be called the active Buddhist temple of Pohyeonsa. This temple houses various religious objects and collections of ancient Korean books. The museum of gifts to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il is quite interesting. In this area you can see the large cave at Ryongmun and the very beautiful Manphok Gorge. The Valley of Nine Waterfalls is also famous. Lovers of outdoor activities and mountaineering come to this place.

Mountains Paektu are one of the most picturesque places in the DPRK. These mountains contain the country's highest peaks: Paeksabon (2103 m), Sobaeksan (2172 m), Paektusan (Baitoushan, 2750 m).

Dormant volcano Baekdusan is located on the border with China. It is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the local nature attracts tourists with its beauty. This mountain is white due to hardened light pumice. In 1989, Paektusan received the status of an International Biosphere Reserve. Here you can see the giant crater lake Chongji, or Tianchi (“Heavenly Lake”). The lake is located at an altitude of 2194 meters above sea level. The water in the lake is always very cold. This place is sacred to the people of North Korea. It is believed that it was in this place that the son of the God of heaven appeared on Earth. In addition, it is generally accepted that the revolutionary movement of the Korean people originated here. Historians claim that Kim Jong Il was born here on February 16, 1942. At the foot of Mount Paektusan there is an area of ​​three lakes Samzhi. Here you can visit an entire historical complex dedicated to the revolutionary activities of Kim Il Sung.

The Kumgang (Kumgangsan) mountain range is located in the southeast of the country. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in North Korea. This region has an unusual topography with a large number of tiny lakes and waterfalls. There are forests here. Mineral springs, valleys with Buddhist shrines.

Until 1945, Korea was a colony of Japan. When World War II ended, the territory of the country north of the 38th parallel was occupied by the USSR, and the southern part was occupied by America. The USSR and the USA were unable to resolve the issue of Korean unification. For this reason, in 1948, two separate governments appeared here - Soviet and American.
The Republic of Korea was formed in the south of the Korean Peninsula. After this, on September 9, 1948, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) appeared in the north. Political power in the country was monopolized by the WPK. A planned economy was established in the DPRK economy. Since 1949, the state has taken control of almost all of the country's industry, as well as its domestic and foreign trade.
In 1950, North Korea launched an armed attack on South Korea. After this, a war broke out between the two states, in which other countries also took part.
The war dealt a heavy blow to North Korea's economy. Industrialization helped restore it. The standard of living in the DPRK grew even faster than in South Korea.
In 1960, there was a breakdown in relations between the USSR and China. This had a negative impact on the DPRK economy.
In the 70s of the last century, the pace of economic development here slowed down significantly. This was also influenced by the high cost of oil after the 1974 oil crisis. The country began to spend too much money on the army and the development of heavy industry. In 1980, the North Korean economy went into default. The volume of industrial production began to increase only in the early 90s.
Kim Il Sung died in 1994. His son Kim Jong Il came to power in the country. The economic situation in the DPRK continued to remain quite difficult.
In the period from 96 to 99, the country experienced a severe famine, which killed a large number of people. The country continued to spend a lot of money on military needs.
In July 2002, reforms began in the country. There was a devaluation of the state currency. To support the country's agricultural market, it was decided to lower prices for agricultural products. In the villages of the DPRK, collective farming has been replaced by family farming. All this led to an increase in foreign investment in the country's economy.
In 2007, the President of South Korea paid a visit to the DPRK. After this, both Koreas turned to the UN with a request to promote the unification of the countries.

International trade

The DPRK maintains trade relations with more than 100 countries.
The main export items to the DPRK are ferrous and non-ferrous metals, anthracite and seafood.
North Korea imports mainly oil and oil products, coking coal, chemical fertilizers, and food.
The country's main foreign trade partners: South Korea, China, Japan, EU countries and Russia.
North Korea has a fairly large external debt.

The shops

Prices in the country are quite high; foreign tourists can only pay in foreign currency. In the DPRK foreign exchange stores, the cost of goods is also not low. The selection of goods is small. Prices in all stores in the country are fixed, they are the same throughout the DPRK. Tourists can only bargain at street markets, but they won’t be able to get a big discount. Typically the cost is reduced by no more than 10%. You need to bargain very politely.

Very popular among tourists hand embroidery. Such things are expensive. Even an experienced craftsman takes about a year to embroider a large canvas. You can buy paintings in souvenir shops. These paintings are almost no different from Chinese landscapes, but cost much more.

Very often tourists buy famous ginseng and products made from it. Traditional porcelain from Kaesong is popular. Herbal and mushroom teas, bear bile, stamps, and commemorative coins with images of leaders are sold. You can buy printed products, wood and stone carvings.

The official holiday in North Korea is Sunday.

Demography

The ethnic composition of the population is quite homogeneous.

The life expectancy of the country's population as a whole is
71.65 years old. Life expectancy for men is 68.92 years, for women - 74.51 years.

The fertility rate is 2.1 newborns per woman.

Industry

In the DPRK, the share of industrial production in the country's GDP is about 50%. This industry employs up to 40% of the country's population. In recent years, production has declined slightly in all major industries.

The country is developing such industries as oil refining, chemical, textile and food.

Mechanical engineering accounts for about 30% of the value of all industrial products. The DPRK produces locally assembled Fiat cars and also produces jeeps.

Flora and fauna

The mountainous regions of the DPRK are covered with coniferous forests and mixed forests. The main species here are pine, spruce, Korean fir, maple, poplar, elm and aspen. Rice, soybeans, barley, corn and beans are grown in the valleys.

A large number of medicinal plants grow in the DPRK. The most famous of them is ginseng, which is sold for export to many countries around the world.

The country is home to such large predators as: tiger, leopard, bear (Ussuri and white-breasted), lynx and wolf. Common birds here are: eagle, snipe, crane, heron, pheasant, black grouse and hazel grouse.

The forests are home to foxes, wild boars, gorals, roe deer, sika deer, wapiti, weasels, otters, and squirrels.

There are many different species of birds found in the coastal areas of the DPRK. Here live: passerines, herons, cranes, storks, geese, ducks, waders, gulls, cormorants, razorbills, guillemots and guillemots.

The country's coastal and inland waters are rich in a variety of fish and other seafood.

Banks and money

There are no direct flights from Russia to North Korea. Transport links between North Korea and other countries are quite rare. The national airline Air Koryo operates twice-weekly flights from Pyongyang to Beijing, China. One flight in the same direction is operated by the Chinese company Air China.
You can also get to North Korea from Russia by rail. Every week a trailer train runs from Moscow to Pyongyang. The train goes through China, the journey time is six and a half days. For such a trip you must obtain a transit visa. The same train includes carriages from Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk.

Minerals

The country is quite rich in mineral resources. Natural resources such as coal, lead, tungsten, zinc and graphite are mined here. Magnesium, iron, copper, gold, pyrite, salt, fluorspar, etc. are also mined.

Agriculture

North Korea's agriculture accounts for about 20% of the country's income. The country is dominated by mountainous terrain, which leads to a shortage of land resources. The total area of ​​agricultural land is about 20% of the total territory of the country. Arable land occupies only 16%.
On average, one resident of the DPRK has 0.12 hectares of cultivated land. This is several times less than in almost all European countries.
The basis of the country's agriculture is crop production. The following crops are grown here: soybeans, cotton, flax, tobacco and sugar beets. There are also ginseng plantations in the country. The cultivation of vegetables and fruits is quite well developed.
The basis of livestock farming in the DPRK is the breeding of cattle, pigs, and poultry. Sericulture is also developed here. Fish and other seafood are actively harvested.

The country's authorities are quite intensively developing and supporting traditional forms of art and culture. Quite often they can even be intertwined with official ideology.

The country does not officially celebrate the usual Christmas and New Year. All traditional holidays of the DPRK are celebrated according to the lunar calendar. The main ones are: the First Full Moon Festival and the Chuseok Festival. The latter is dedicated to harvesting and commemorating deceased ancestors. On this day, it is customary to visit the graves of ancestors, performing the ritual of sacrifice there.

The main official holidays of the country are: May Day and Independence Day. On these days, parades and festive performances take place throughout the country.

Children are also very important members of society. It is customary to get married quite late in the country. They always try to dress children as best and brightly as possible. The government organizes many activities for children. It is not customary to punish children; they are given great independence.

Citizens of the DPRK greet each other with a slight half-bow. Handshakes are also common, with both hands. It is not customary to look directly into the eyes of your interlocutor. It is absolutely not customary in the country to apologize. It’s not often that you hear words of gratitude here. Gifts are usually simply left at the entrance to the house. No need to thank the service staff.

The people of the DPRK are very hardworking. They are used to working even in the most difficult working conditions. They are also distinguished by their love for cleanliness and order. Every morning, volunteers clean up the city streets.

Traditionally, Koreans sit, eat and sleep on the floor. When entering a house, you must always take off your shoes. You cannot stand on the threshold to prevent evil spirits from entering. You should not be bare-legged in the presence of elders.

Traditionally, Koreans eat a lot of rice, noodles, and seafood. They drink little, and local vodka or fruit liqueurs are always served at the table. Beer is very popular. You cannot appear in public places drunk.

Korean restaurants usually offer something like a set menu right away. There are usually no menus in restaurants; there is a special sign hanging on the wall. There are problems with transliterating Korean names and proper names into Russian and English.

Traditional Korean music is vaguely reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese. The main instruments here are strings, drums and percussion. Household choral singing is very popular. Fine arts are also quite well developed here. It includes a special school of landscape painting and traditional calligraphy.

It is customary to dress very modestly in the country. Most often, local residents wear paramilitary clothing. Sometimes traditional national clothes are worn. The feet are usually worn in cloth slippers with rubber soles. European costume is used only on special occasions. To visit the Kim Il Sung Mausoleum and memorial cemeteries, you need to dress brightly. It is considered indecent for women to wear trousers in public places.

Men and women usually cut their hair quite short. Elderly people wear long hair, which is collected in a braid and placed at the back of the head.

North Korea has a very low crime rate. Local law enforcement is everywhere. The attitude towards foreigners in the country is somewhat wary. Tourists are usually accompanied by a special guide. He makes sure that the tourist does not break the laws and ensures the safety of the tourist himself.

There are some restrictions on movement around the country. Tourists should not go into the city without a guide. The guide is responsible for preparing the route, menu, and meeting times. It is not recommended to have long conversations with local residents. It is prohibited to photograph military personnel and any objects even remotely related to defense (airports, bridges, aqueducts, bases, ports, etc.). You can only photograph ordinary people with their permission.

Healthcare

It is best for all tourists to take out international medical insurance. No special vaccinations are required to travel to the DPRK. However, you should be very wary of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatitis B and E, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and dengue.

Tourists are advised to bring personal hygiene items and an individual first aid kit. This first aid kit must contain all the medications necessary to provide first aid. You should also take medicine for colds and stomach upsets with you.

Almost all major hotels in the DPRK have their own medical center with the necessary supply of medications. In case of serious illness, the patient will be sent to clinics in the capital: Korean Red Cross Hospital, Pyongyang Emergency Hospital, Pyongyang Hospital for Foreigners and Kim Mann Yu Hospital. There may be problems with evacuation from the DPRK by air.

All tap water in North Korea is chlorinated. However, it cannot be consumed raw. For drinking, brushing your teeth or making ice, it is best to use only boiled or bottled water.

Milk and dairy products are most often not pasteurized. It is recommended to heat them before use. The same applies to meat, fish and seafood. Vegetables and fruits can be consumed only after pre-treatment. Fruits are best peeled.

The level of solar radiation in the country is quite high. Tourists should wear sunglasses with glass filters, hats and light protective clothing.

Avoid swimming during tidal currents and surf.