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Supung Hydroelectric Plant
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The Supung Hydroelectric Plant, situated on the Yalu River along the border between North Korea and China, is one of East Asia's most historic and powerful hydroelectric facilities. Constructed between 1937 and 1943 during the Japanese colonial era, it was ranked as the third largest hydroelectric plant in the world at the time of its completion. The massive Supung Dam impounds the Yalu River, creating a vast reservoir that serves both power generation and flood control purposes. A unique feature of the plant is its joint operation by North Korea and China, with the generated electricity shared between the two nations based on long-standing agreements. The facility is a critical energy source for industrial centers in North Pyongan Province and neighboring Chinese regions like Liaoning. Over the decades, the plant has undergone several rounds of modernization to update its original Japanese and Swiss-designed turbines. Supung stands as a significant symbol of cross-border industrial cooperation and remains a cornerstone of the regional renewable energy infrastructure.
- Location: North Korea
- Top sights: Amrokkang station · Sup'ung Dam · Supung Lake
- Nearby: Sonchon (42 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -11 | -7 | 0 | 8 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 17 | 9 | 0 | -9 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 20 | 23 | 53 | 82 | 116 | 267 | 260 | 85 | 56 | 46 | 14 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Supung Hydroelectric Plant represents a monumental energy infrastructure project situated on the Yalu River, jointly operated by North Korea and China to provide critical electrical power to significant regions of both neighboring nations.
Visiting
Direct visits into the internal power generation facilities are virtually impossible for standard tourists due to its status as a highly sensitive border installation and crucial strategic state infrastructure.
Where to view it
While the North Korean side is strictly controlled, travelers participating in organized tours on the Chinese side of the Yalu River can frequently get clear, expansive views of the massive concrete dam structure from designated scenic lookouts.
Local products
The immediate vicinity lacks conventional tourism commerce, but authorized visitors traversing the broader border region might encounter small vendors selling regional specialties or official souvenirs from nearby approved border trade zones.
Active season
Water flow and electricity generation occur continuously year-round, but viewing the impressive water discharge operations is typically most spectacular during the rainy season when river levels are naturally at their absolute highest.
Nearby
Observing this formidable border dam is usually integrated into highly supervised tours exploring the complex Dandong-Sinuiju border region, allowing travelers to experience the stark contrast between the two neighboring economic systems.
Geography
Facts
- The dam stands 160 meters high and spans 852 meters across the Yalu River.
- The plant has an installed capacity of approximately 630 MW to 700 MW.
- At its peak in the 1940s, it was the largest hydroelectric station in Asia.
- Power distribution is strictly split 50/50 between North Korea and China.
- The reservoir created by the dam is one of the largest man-made lakes in the region.
- The facility survived multiple strategic bombing raids during the Korean War.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Supung Hydroelectric Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Supung Hydroelectric Plant?
It is a large dam on the Yalu River, jointly operated by North Korea and China.
Can you see the dam wall?
Yes, from the Chinese side, the massive dam wall is a popular excursion destination for tourists.
When was it built?
Construction began during the Japanese colonial period in the late 1930s.
What is the power output of the plant?
It is one of the most powerful hydroelectric plants in East Asia, providing energy to both border countries.
Is there nature in the area?
The resulting Supung reservoir is very scenic and surrounded by mountains.
Supung Hydroelectric Plant: where is it located?
Supung Hydroelectric Plant is located in North Korea.
Supung Hydroelectric Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Amrokkang station, Sup'ung Dam, Supung Lake.
Supung Hydroelectric Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Supung Hydroelectric Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Supung Hydroelectric Plant, situated on the Yalu River along the border between North Korea and China, is one of East Asia's most historic and powerful hydroelectric facilities.
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