KIMCH'AEK

formerly Songjin, city, eastern North Korea. It is on the estuary of the Namdae River, along the Sea of Japan. Protected by promontories, it has a good natural harbour and is a port city. Formerly a poor fishing village, it began to develop when it became an open port in 1899, exporting agricultural and marine products, oxhide, and forest products. Since the 1930s it has become an industrial city with the exploitation of nearby mineral deposits. Iron industries, magnesium processing, and marble working are carried on. The city's name was changed to Kimch'aek in 1952 in memory of the commander of the North Korean army who died during the Korean War. Kimch'aek Polytechnic Institute is located there. Pop. (1987 est.) 179,000.