Rason
Rason is a North Korean special city and ice-free port in the Sea of Japan in the North Pacific Ocean on the northeast tip of North Korea. It is in the Kwanbuk region and location of the Rason Special Economic Zone.
In South Korean pronunciation, the initial "R" of the name is pronounced as "N", as per standard Korean phonology. In 2000, the name was shortened from "Rajin-Sŏnbong" to "Rason". During the 1930s, the Japanese called it Rashin; at that time, it was an important port at the end of a railroad line. It fell under the control of the Red Army on 14 August 1945.
Before 1991, Rason was used by the Soviet Union as an alternative warm-water port in case Vladivostok was unavailable. The Soviet naval facilities were built starting in 1979. From 1993 to 2004, it was administered separately from North Hamgyŏng as the directly governed city of Rason. Prior to 1993 and from 2004 to 2009, the city had been part of the North Hamgyŏng Province. Since 2010, the city is a "special city", again breaking from provincial control, but different from its older designation as a directly governed city. What this means in practice is unclear.
Rason borders Hunchun county in Jilin province of China and Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai of Russia. China is making investments in the port as it gives it access to the Sea of Japan. In July 2011, North Korea allowed China's domestic trade cargo to be shipped via its port of Rajin from northeast to east China. Coal is shipped from nearby Chinese mines to Shanghai. A casino by the sea caters to Chinese visitors.
Administrative divisions
Rason is divided into two district.Rajin-guyŏk">Rajin-guyok">Rajin-guyŏk (라진구역; 羅津區域)
- Anhwa-dong
- Anju-dong
- Jigyŏng-dong
- Junghyŏn-dong
- Changphyŏng-dong
- Chŏnggye-dong
- Hahyŏn-dong
- Haebang-dong
- Kwangok-dong
- Namsan-dong
- Tongmyŏng-dong
- Sanghyŏn-dong
- Sinan-dong
- Sinhae-dong
- Sinhŭng-dong
- Songphyŏng-dong
- Yŏkchŏn-dong
- Yuhyŏn-dong
- Muchang-ri
- Huchang-ri
Sŏnbong-guyŏk">Sonbong-guyok">Sŏnbong-guyŏk (선봉군; 先鋒郡)
- Sŏnbong-ŭp
- Tuman'gang-rodongjagu
- Ungsang-rodongjagu
- Chosal-li
- Hahoe-ri
- Hayŏp'yŏng-ri
- Hongŭi-ri
- Kulp'o-ri
- Paekhang-ri
- Pup'o-ri
- Sahoe-ri
- Uam-ri
- Wŏnjŏng-ri
Climate
Rason has a humid continental climate.Port
The Korean People's Navy maintains a naval training base at the Rajin Port in the city of Rason. In addition, a Chinese company in 2017 leased a dock for 10 years at the port. This port may also be known as the Port of Rajin.Military activity
Since North Korea joined the Russo-Ukrainian war, Rason and the wider area surrounding it which borders Russia has been used as a way to transfer arms shipments and manpower to Russia.Tourism
Since 2025, North Korea has allowed tourism for everyone except American and South Korean citizens to visit the area. The YPT's plans were to immediately open the entire city with Chinese tourists expected first. Given the recent opening, there is no tourism data. However it is confirmed that there are large amounts of Russian and Chinese tourists.Economy
Foreign investments
The Rason Emperor Hotel and Casino is a resort and casino in Rason owned by the Emperor Group, a diversified Hong Kong based commercial group.Oil refinery
Rajin Oil Refinery is the largest oil refinery in North Korea. Although North Korea itself lacks oil wells, they can and do import oil from other countries to supply their refineries. Large oil tankers are spotted multiple times unloading at the Rajin port.Mining
Rason has a number of mineral resources within the locality, including coal, iron, magnesite, and clay.Ship building
Rason is home to No 28 Shipyard Najin, a shipbuilder and supplier to the Korean People's Navy.Transport
Rail
Rajin Station is on the Pyongra Line and Hambuk Line. The Hongui Line was opened in 1959, connecting Rason with the Russian Khasan on the Tumen River; the river is the natural North Korea–Russia border.Road
The Tumen River Bridge connects between Hunchun and Rason.Sister cities
- Hunchun, China