Chongjin

Introduction
Highlights
Accommodation
Transportation

Chongjin Introduction

Chongjin has earned the nickname ‘City of Iron’ by being the main centre for heavy industry in the country.

The skyline of the city is dominated by the Kim Chaek Iron and Steelworks which highlights the economic importance of the city.

Chongjin also serves as the provincial capital of North Hamgyong Province.

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Chongjin Highlights

North Hamgyong Provincial Revolutionary History Museum

The key place to learn about the central position the far north of the country has in the liberation struggle, heavily politicised, endless mentions of the ruling family, this is very North Korean. 

North Hamgyong PRovince E-Library

First of the new prestige developments in Choingjin is this high-tech educational centre designed to offer IT courses and access to computers to the local population. Not as widely-used as one would hope but a place of interest for sure. also contains an exhibit of aspirational plans for city centre redevelopment.

Chongjin Trolley Bus

Take a ride down Chongjin’s main drag on one of the city’s trolleybuses.

The slogan ‘Our Country is the Best’ adorns the sides of the only trolleybus system outside of Pyongyang.

Central Square

The central square in Chongjin features statues of the Great Leaders, as is customary in North Korea.

The area is being redeveloped as part of the nationwide policy of ‘socialist economic construction’.

Jipsam Revolutonary Site

The rocky shores of the East Sea of Korea feature many sites with revolutionary relevance, and at Jipsam this meets with a lovely bit of scenery and a nearby fishing village. just outside the city and a pleasant side-trip if on the way to Orang Airport or Chilbio Mountains.

Steelworker’s Kindergarten

Visit a local kindergarten with a small student theatrical and musical performance. Tourists are also given a tour of the facilities and an introduction to the early-education system in North Korea.

Chongjin Mushroom Factory 

See a variety of mushrooms being produced in this mushroom factory/farm, and taste some for yourself! 

Chongjin Fisherman’s Club

Bar, billiards, restaurant and a sauna for merchant mariners visiting Chongjin. A great place to relax after a few days on the bumpy northeastern road network.

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Chongjin Accommodation

Chongjin Hotels Full List 

Chongjin Tourist Hotel

A basic hotel for foreign tourists near Chongjin Central Railway Station. The hotel offers basic rooms, a restaurant, sauna and on-site micro-brewery.

Chongjin Foreigners’ Lodging

The former foreign expert apartments for Kim Chaek Steelworks, similar in design to local apartments.

Basic rooms are available here with great food and hospitable service.

Chonmasan Hotel

Close to the East Harbour and also housing the Chinese Consulate, basic but sufficient and located on an urban street

Gomalsan Guesthouse

On a hilltop offering an excellent view over the city, small, quirky, sometimes unavailable, but a good option for any visitor.

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Chongjin Transportation

Chongjin can be reached overland from the Chinese border at Namyang or enter from Russia at Rason.

There is a flight from Pyongyang to Chongjin’s Orang Airport which is an option for tourists who wish to travel to the northeast directly from the capital. It is also possible to travel to the city from Pyongyang on the train (rail travel is only available on limited dates and is subject to change).

Chongjin is the best access to Mt. Chilbo, one of North Korea's 5 celebrated mountains. Also in the area, one can easily get to the spa area of Kyongsong, and the border city of Hoeryong.

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