Myonggan County


Myŏnggan County, formerly known as Hwasŏng County, is a kun, or county, in North Hamgyong province, North Korea. Unlike many Korean districts that date from the Joseon Dynasty, Hwasong was created after liberation. Yŏngan was established in 1952, separated from Myŏngch'ŏn. In 1967 Yŏngan was renamed to Myŏnggan, in 1981 to Hwasŏng, and in 2004 to Myŏnggan.
Myŏnggan abuts the Sea of Japan. Most of the land is rugged, with only one small plain along the Hwasongchon stream. The highest point in the county is Kiunbong. There are no ports, and the coastline is distinctively monotonous.
The chief streams of the county are the Ŏrangch'ŏn and Myŏngganch'ŏn. More than 80% of the county is taken up by forestland.
Myŏnggan is known for its pear orchards. In addition, livestock are widely raised. There are also coal mines in the county.
Political Prison Camp No. 16 is a large prison labor colony in the western part of the county.

Administrative divisions

Myŏnggan County is divided into 1 ŭp, 3 rodongjagu and 22 ri :