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Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works

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Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)

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The Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works in Chongjin is the largest metallurgical plant in North Korea and forms the foundation of the national heavy industry. The facility was established during the Japanese occupation and later named after the Korean general Kim Chaek. As an integrated complex, the works feature blast furnaces, converters, and rolling mills that supply pig iron and steel for the construction of locomotives, ships, and industrial machinery. Its geographical location in the port city of Chongjin allows for the efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products. Significant investments have been made in recent years to transition to coke-free smelting technologies based on domestic anthracite. This serves to reduce dependence on foreign energy resources. The works are a central object in economic propaganda and are often portrayed as a 'victory column' of socialist economic construction. With thousands of employees, it is the most important economic driver in the northeast of the country.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-4181419222217113-5
Rain mm11151937656817314582383515

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works in the city of Kimchaek is a central pillar of North Korea's heavy industry. It produces steel for domestic needs and symbolizes the country's industrial power.
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Visiting
The steelworks is not usually accessible to foreign visitors, but from certain viewpoints in the city the plant can be seen. Visits to North Korea are only possible on guided tours.
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Where to view it
From the hills above Kimchaek city, there is a good view of the steelworks and the surrounding industrial zone. The facility is partly visible from the port as well.
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Local products
The region is known for steel production, but also for fishery products from the Sea of Japan. Local markets offer metalware and canned goods.
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Active season
Steel production typically runs continuously, with special campaigns to meet economic plans. Activity peaks during so-called 'speed campaigns'.
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Nearby
A visit to the steelworks can be combined with exploring the port city of Kimchaek and its beaches. The nearby hot springs are also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates
40.66000, 129.21000

Facts

  • Largest steel producer in the country, based in Chongjin.
  • Originally founded in 1942 as Seishin Steel Works by Nippon Steel.
  • Possesses one of the largest rolling facilities in East Asia.
  • Pioneer in using lignite gasification for metallurgical purposes.
  • Direct access to the Port of Chongjin for maritime transport.
  • Central target of economic modernization programs.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KimchaekKimchaek2 km · SWExplore →
Port of TanchonPort of Tanchon35 km · SEExplore →
Mantap-sanMantap-san45 km · WExplore →
Mount ChilboMount Chilbo50 km · NWExplore →
Anam Bay Tidal FlatAnam Bay Tidal Flat67 km · NWExplore →
Komdok Zinc MineKomdok Zinc Mine68 km · SExplore →
ChongjinChongjin102 km · NWExplore →
Chongjin Steel WorksChongjin Steel Works104 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (3)

Kimchaek📍 landmark

City on the east coast, known for its steel industry and port facilities.

Kimchaek station📍 landmark

Railway station on the coastal line, connecting the city to the network.

Kimchaek Municipal Stadium📍 landmark

Municipal sports venue, hosts local football matches and events.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works?
It is the country's largest steelworks and plays a decisive role in national industry and construction.
In which city is the plant located?
The plant is located in Chongjin, a major industrial city in northeastern North Korea.
Is the plant accessible to tourists?
Chongjin has only recently become more accessible to tourists; plant visits are rare and require special tours.
How is the steel produced?
The plant uses large blast furnaces and processes iron ore, mostly sourced from the Musan region mines.
What else can you visit in Chongjin?
You can see the seamen's club, the central square with monuments, and local kindergartens during a city tour.
Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works: where is it located?
Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works is located in North Korea.
Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kimchaek, Kimchaek station, Kimchaek Municipal Stadium.
Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works: why is it worth visiting?
The Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works in Chongjin is the largest metallurgical plant in North Korea and forms the foundation of the national heavy industry.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
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Nearby cities

Rason — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Rason
Rason is a special economic zone in the far northeast where the borders of North Korea, China, and Russia meet.
Kimchaek — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Kimchaek
Kimchaek, formerly Songjin, was named after a North Korean general and is an important port on the east coast.

Nature

Tumen River — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Tumen River
A river that serves as a border with China and Russia, emptying into the Sea of Japan.

More places

Mantap-san — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Mantap-san
A mountain in North Hamgyong Province, known as the location of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site.
Mount Chilbo — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Mount Chilbo
A mountain in North Hamgyong province, known for its exceptional rock formations and views of the Sea of Japan.
Anam Bay Tidal Flat — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Anam Bay Tidal Flat
A crucial wetland on the northeast coast, serving as a major stopover for migratory birds.
Chongjin Steel Works — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Chongjin Steel Works
A large steel plant located in the city of Chongjin, crucial for the North Korean economy.
Musan Plateau — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Musan Plateau
A plateau in North Hamgyong province, rich in iron ore deposits.
Puryong Valley — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Puryong Valley
A valley in North Hamgyong province, through which the Puryong River flows.
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Musan Iron Mine
One of the largest iron ore mines in Asia, located in Musan, which feeds the North Korean steel industry.
Port of Tanchon — Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Works (North Korea)
Port of Tanchon
An important port on the east coast, serving to export magnesite and other minerals from the nearby Tanchon mines.