Pyongyang

Pyongyang
평양시
Pyongyang Directly Governed City
  transcription(s)
 • Chosŏn'gŭl평양직할시
 • Hancha平壤直轄市
 • McCune–ReischauerP'yŏngyang Chikhalsi
 • Revised RomanizationPyeongyang Jikhalsi
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Nickname: 
(류경/柳京)  (Korean)
"Capital of Willows"
Anthem: "My Beloved Capital, Pyongyang" (Korean정든 나의 수도 평양; MRChŏngdŭn naŭi sudo P'yŏngyang)
Location of Pyongyang in North Korea
Coordinates: 39°01′00″N 125°44′51″E / 39.01667°N 125.74750°E / 39.01667; 125.74750
Country North Korea
Districts
Government
 • TypeDirectly governed city
 • BodyPyongyang City People's Assembly
 • Secretary of the City CommitteeKim Su-gil
 • Chairman of the People's CommitteeChoi Hee-tae
Area
829.1 km2 (320.1 sq mi)
 • Metro
3,194 km2 (1,233 sq mi)
Elevation
1.8 m (6 ft)
Population
 (2021)
3,157,538
 • Density3,808/km2 (9,864/sq mi)
DemonymPyongyangite(s)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (PYT)
ISO 3166 codeKP-01

Pyongyang (Korean평양; Hancha平壤) is the capital and largest city of North Korea. According to the 2008 population census, it has a population of 3,255,288. Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River about 109 kilometers (68 miles) upstream from its mouth on the Yellow Sea. Pyongyang is a directly administered city (직할시; 直轄市; chikhalsi) with a status equal to that of the North Korean provinces.

Pyongyang is one of the oldest cities in Korea. According to legend, it was founded in 1122 BC on the site of the capital of the legendary king Tan'gun. It was the capital of two ancient Korean kingdoms, Gojoseon and Goguryeo, and served as the secondary capital of Goryeo. Following the establishment of North Korea in 1948, Pyongyang became its de facto capital. The city was again devastated during the Korean War, but was quickly rebuilt after the war with Soviet assistance. The city was declared to be the official capital with the 1972 Constitution. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, there has been a construction boom in the city.

Pyongyang is the political, industrial and transport center of North Korea. It is estimated that 99% of those living in Pyongyang are members, candidate members, or dependents of members of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). It is home to North Korea's major government institutions, as well as the WPK which has its headquarters in the Government Complex No. 1.