Hamhung, North Korea
The Second Largest City in the DPRK
Children by the main square
Hamhung is the second largest city in North Korea, with a population of almost 800,000 people.
In spite of its size and importance, this industrial city located near the east coast of the DPRK was only opened to tourists in 2010, which explains why the view of a foreigner can cause even more of a surprise than in other parts of the country.
Kindergarten class at the Tongbong Cooperative Farm
A trip to the second largest city in the DPRK will allow travellers to cross the DPRK, from one side to the other, going through small towns and villages, and see one of the least known areas in one of the least known countries in the world.
We usually combine a trip to Hamhung with a visit to the port city of Wonsan on the east coast, another fascinating corner of North Korea.
"I was completely amazed by my trip here. Driving through small counties letting me see people get along with their lives was mind-blowing."
Hamhung Travel Guide
Click below for more information about places you can visit in Hamhung.
Brief Introduction of Hamhung
The city became completely destroyed after the Korean War and was rebuilt after it almost from scratch. It is an important fertiliser chemical city and is also home to Ri Song-gye- founder of the Choson Dynasty who overthrew the Koryo Dynasty.
Image showing the entrance of the Hungnam Fertiliser Factory. Hungnam is close to Hamhung.
At KTG we are able to arrange trips to all sites available to tourists here, including the fertiliser factory and the home of Ri Song-gye. Travellers usually stay in the beach resort, Majon, which allows us to go for a swim and enjoy an oyster barbecue dinner to round up a day of travel around the east coast of North Korea.
Mt. Tonghung
This spot offers great views of the whole city and the surrounding areas of. There used to be a giant bronze statue of a younger President Kim Il Sung, but this has now been replaced by two statues; one of the Leader Kim Il Sung and the other of Leader Kim Jong Il.
It is popular amongst newly weds who go there to take pictures.
Wedding at Mount Tonghung back in 2011
This place also holds some ancient Korean pavillions. There is a bench too marked and protected as it was were President Kim Il Sung once sat.
Image of a bench used by President Kim Il Sung.
Kuchon Pavilion
This was initially built in the early 1100s during the Koryo Dynasty. School children go here to paint and sketch. The pavilion was used to command wars and as a watch tower. It was later rebuilt in 1613 under the Choson Dynasty.
Tongbong Cooperative Farm
We will be able to visit a kindergarten where the farmers' children go to class and see a farmer's home apart from walking around the farm.
The farm is located in the outskirts of the city which means that we will go here either before arriving at Hamhung or when leaving. You can see a picture of the kindergarten at the top of this page.
Boys in Hamhung laughing when seeing a foreigner
Grand Theatre
An enormous and imposing structure located in the city centre. You can also see a picture of it above on this page.
Home of Ri Song-gye
Founder of the Choson Dynasty (also spelled Joson), he overthrew the Koryo dynasty. You can read more about this in our Choson Dynasty page. The home is near many factories in between Hamhung and Majon, the beach resort where we usually stay.
Home of General Yi near Hamhung in Northeast DPRK. The General overthrew the Koryo Dynasty and became the founder of the new dynasty he formed; the Choson Dynasty
Hungnam Fertiliser Factory
A chemical fertiliser factory, we will be able to explore the facilities and see how production takes place.
This is truly a unique chance to see how a North Korean factory works. We usually have the factory manager show us aroud and get to see workers carrying out several tasks. The Hungnam Fertiliser Factory is huge, the biggest in the region.
Factory Visit - local worker at the Hungnam Fertiliser Factory. Hungnam is a district of Hamhung City, provincial capital South Hamgyong
Accommodation in Hamhung
We usually stay at this resort by the beach which is close to Hungnam, not too far from Hamhung. The resort consists of cottages by the beach. When there we can go for a walk on the beach, swim and enjoy a clam BBQ with some soju (Korean liquor)!
Located right in the city centre of Hamhung
Sinsunhang Hotel
Soviet styled hotel located close to Mount Tonhung where the statues of the leaders are
Very basic, but a lot of fun. Villas are located right by the beach
Majon Bathing Resort
Beach resort located in Hungnam district, about 30 minutes away from the centre of Hamhung
Hamhung Trip Review
East Coaster Adventure
Cooperative farm near Hamhung
What's it actually like to visit Hamhung? Read our 2017 East-Coaster Trip Report.
Majon beach near Hamhung city. We usually stay here overnight when going to Hamhung.
This East Coast Tour included a trip to Hamhung as well as Wonsan.
Did you know that...
The most famous dish in Hamhung is potato starch cold noodles?
Please see our page North Korea Tourism to see information on our DPRK tours. If you are interested in our group tours please go to our North Korea group tours page. Please note that if you see that there is no trip arranged to any city or place you would like to visit in a tour that interests you, it is possible to have an extension of your stay in North Korea and you will be able to visit this part of the country after the general group tour is over.
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