Kowon County

Kowŏn County is a county in South [Hamgyong Province|South Hamgyŏng] province, North Korea. It lies at the southern tip of the province.

Physical features

The highest point is Palbongsan. The western reaches of the county are high and mountainous, while the east is a low-lying plain. Major rivers and streams include the Chŏnt'an River, Tŏkchi River, Sabakch'ŏn, and the Kuryongch'ŏn. 54% of the county's area is forested. The climate is generally continental, but is moderated by foehn winds blowing from the mountains. This makes it one of the warmer parts of the province.

Administrative divisions

Kowŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp, 1 rodongjagu and 18 ri :

Economy

Agriculture

is the predominant local industry. Orcharding and livestock raising are also carried out, as is sericulture.

Mining and manufacturing

There are deposits of limestone in the county, and mining and construction-materials manufacturing also contribute to the local economy.

Transport

Kowŏn is connected to the rest of North Korea by rail and road. The P'yŏngra and Kangwŏn lines of the Korean State Railway run through the county.