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평양 (P'yŏngyang, formerly written as 平壤) is centered on the right (north) bank of the lower Taedong River, as a 'directly governed' (provincial-level) city and capital of 조선 (Chosŏn or North Korea). In 2012 it had a metropolitan population of 3.417 million,1 with 3.255 million in the city proper (2008).2 The tallest building is the Ryugyong Hotel (1083 feet, 2013).3
The city came into prominence when Koguryŏ (Goguryeo) moved its capital moved there in 427 CE,4 but its importance receded after Koguryŏ was conquered by Silla in 676. It became the capital of 조선 (Chosŏn or North Korea) in 1945, which was initially a Soviet puppet state, later independent.
UNESCO honors a World Heritage Site called 'Complex of Koguryo Tombs, part of which are in 평양 (P'yŏngyang). Some of the tombs included wall paintings, and they constitute much of what remains of the Koguryŏ (Goguryeo) culture.5
The area is served by the P'yŏngyang Sunan International Airport.
Year | Population | Political entity |
500 CE | 60,0006 | Koguryŏ |
622 CE | 60,0006 | Koguryŏ |
1000 CE | 50,0006 | Great Liáo (Liao Empire) |
1500 CE | 7 | Great Chosŏn State |
1700 CE | 55,0008 | tributary to Zhongguo/ Dulimbai Gurun (to the Empire of China) |
1800 CE | 68,0006 | tributary to Zhongguo/ Dulimbai Gurun (to the Empire of China) |
2012 CE | 3,417,0001 | 조선 (Chosŏn or North Korea) |
Skyline of central P'yŏngyang (including the Ryugyong Hotel), Chosŏn (North Korea)