Orang County

Ŏrang is a kun, or county, in North Hamgyŏng province in the far northeast of North Korea. It is situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Originally part of Kyŏngsŏng county, Ŏrang was created in 1952 following the division of Korea.

Physical features

The county is primarily mountainous, with many hills of more than 200 meters in height. However, there is a narrow plain along the coast. Approximately 85% of the county is forested. The highest peak is T'ugubong. There are various lakes including Changyŏn Lake and Mugye Lake.

Administrative divisions

Ŏrang County is divided into 1 ŭp, 1 rodongjagu and 20 ri :

Economy

The local economy is dominated by agriculture and fishing, and is the chief centre of rice production in North Hamgyŏng. In addition, pine mushrooms are grown there. Orang Airport is located in the county. Orang County is also home to Orangchon Power Station and Phalhyang Hydroelectric Dam on Orangchon River that has been under construction since 1981. The Phalhyang dam was completed in December 2019.

Transport

Ŏrang lies on the P'yŏngra Line of the Korean State Railway. The only major road is the highway running between Ch'ŏngjin and Kimch'aek. The dual use military-public Orang Airport has domestic flights to Pyongyang.