Background Info:
North Korea is a country located in East Asia and has been an officially recognized nation since 1948 when it gained independence from Japan following World War II. Pyongyang is the triumphal and most populated city in North Korea and has served as its capital since 1945 when it was first declared the capital city of the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea. Pyongyang is a large city located on the Taedong River and its population is estimated to be over three million people. The city itself is divided into nineteen districts and encompasses an area of over eight hundred and fifty five square kilometres. Pyongyang is an important industrial and manufacturing hub and serves as a major transportation hub for the nation as well. The city is a popular tourist destination and there many political and cultural sites located in Pyongyang.
Political Aspects
North Korea is a one-party state ruled by the Workers’ Party of Korea which is led by the Kim family. Although Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea, the nation is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the power remains mainly in Pyongyang. As the political hub of North Korea, Pyongyang is home to many of the nation’s most important institutions and government buildings. The city is also the location of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party and the Central Military Commission, which are two of the most powerful institutions in North Korea. The North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly generally meets several times each year, and sessions are hold in the capital city of Pyongyang.
Economic Aspects
Pyongyang is an important hub for North Korea’s economy, and the city is home to a number of industries and factories. Pyongyang is estimated to be home to over hundred factories and mills, and is often home to the country’s most important research facilities. The city is also the location of some of the nation’s primary economic institutions, including the Bank of Korea and the Bank of Trade. Pyongyang also acts as one of North Korea’s primary trading hubs, and numerous imports and exports occur through the city each year.
Cultural Aspects
Pyongyang is sometimes referred to as the showpiece of North Korea and is home to many important cultural attractions and landmarks. These include Kim II Sung Square, the Central Zoo, the Great People’s Study House, and the Monument to the Founding of the DPRK. Additionally, Pyongyang is home to the Grand People’s Study House where members of the North Korean public are able to access a wide variety of educational materials. Pyongyang is also home to the Kim II Sung Grand Monument, which is a larger than life statue of the North Korean leader Kim II Sung and pays homage to his achievements in the nation.
Foreign Policy
Pyongyang serves as the primary hub for North Korean foreign policy and the city is home to the nation’s foreign relations operations. Pyongyang is often home to international political summit meetings between various countries and North Korean delegations. Additionally, Pyongyang is known to conduct international negotiations regarding the nations’ economic, military, and political issues. The city often serves as the backdrop of international political cartoons, as many of the controversial actions taken by North Korea’s leaders, such as missile tests, frequently occur in Pyongyang.
Domestic Policy
Pyongyang is an important domestic policy hub for the nation, and many of the key decisions taken by North Korea’s government take place in the capital city. The governing body for the entire nation, the Supreme People’s Assembly, meets twice in Pyongyang each year to pass new legislation and to review national progress. Additionally, Pyongyang is home to a number of the nation’s important education institutions, as well as storage sites for many of the country’s cultural artifacts.
Military Power
The capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, is also home to a number of the nation’s military facilities. Pyongyang houses the headquarters of the Korean People’s Army, the primary armed forces of North Korea. Additionally, the city is home to many of the nations’ research facilities which are responsible for developing the nation’s weapons, including military grade nuclear weapons. Pyongyang also acts as a central command hub for the nation’s military operations, and agents of the Ministry of State Security often travel in and out of Pyongyang to carry out missions.
Media & Communication
The capital of North Korea is home to a number of the nation’s institutions related to media and communication. Pyongyang is home to many of the nation’s television and radio stations, as well as its central newspaper the Rodong Sinmun. Additionally, Pyongyang is home to a number of high-tech communication hubs and research centers which are used for monitoring the nation’s communication channels and censoring information.
Tourism
Despite the fact that Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea, it is not a popular tourist destination. The city is known to be heavily guarded, and it is difficult for outsiders to gain access. The city is home to a number of attractions, however, and the Grand People’s Study House is open to visitors. Additionally, the city is also home to a number of interesting cultural sites, including the Kim II Sung Grand Monument and the Monument to the Founding of the DPRK. Visiting Pyongyang is an unique experience, and one that many visitors find to be both educational and fascinating.
