HAMHUNG

city, east-central North Korea. It was the commercial and local administrative centre of northeastern Korea during the Yi dynasty (13921910). It began to develop rapidly as a modern industrial city with the construction in 1928 of a large nitrogenous fertilizer plant at its seaport, Hungnam, 7.5 miles (12 km) southeast, and of hydroelectric power plants on the nearby Pujon and Changjin rivers. During the Korean War (195053), most industrial plants in the area were destroyed by U.S. bombing raids, but they have been rebuilt, and a large new synthetic textile plant has been constructed. Chemical, metal, and machinery industries, oil refining, and food processing are also carried on. In 1960 the seaport of Hungnam became a part of the city of Hamhung. Included among the cultural and educational institutions located in Hamhung are a branch of the Academy of Science, the Chemical Industry College, a medical college, the Chemistry Research Institute, and the Hamhung State Historical Museum. Its scenic beaches are popular for bathing. Pop. (1987 est.) 701,000.