The Ancient Capital of Korea & DPRK’s Southern Historic City
Kaesong (개성시) is North Korea’s southernmost directly governed city, located near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), bordering South Korea.
It is historically one of the most important cities on the Korean Peninsula — serving as the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), the unified Korean Kingdom for nearly 500 years.
Today, Kaesong stands as a unique blend of:
Ancient Korean heritage
Cross-border economic potential
Military sensitivity
UNESCO World Heritage sites
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Kaesong is one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in Korea.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 918 | Becomes the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty |
| 1392 | Capital moved to Hanyang (Seoul) during Joseon |
| 1910–45 | Japanese colonial administration |
| 1950–53 | Front-line battles during the Korean War |
| 1953 | Placed under North Korean control after armistice |
| 2000s | Kaesong Industrial Complex established with South Korea |
| 2016 | Industrial Complex shut down |
Kaesong is home to some of Korea’s best-preserved medieval architecture.
🧭 Basic City Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Kaesong Directly Governed City |
| Korean Name | 개성시 |
| Status | Special-level city (Direct-controlled) |
| Area | ~1,300 sq km |
| Population (est.) | ~300,000 |
| Geographic Type | Border city (DMZ) |
| Borders | South Hwanghae, North Hwanghae, South Korea (Gyeonggi Province) |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Information |
|---|---|
| Municipal Party Secretary | Top WPK authority |
| Mayor / Committee Chairman | Head of Kaesong People’s Committee |
| Administrative Structure | Directly governed from central DPRK administration |
| Security | Extremely high due to DMZ proximity |
Kaesong’s governance is a mix of urban management and border security operations.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Kaesong includes:
1 City Proper (Kaesong)
Suburban Districts & Rural Townships
Although not divided into many districts like Pyongyang, the city contains:
Urban central area
Residential zones
Industrial zones
Historical heritage zones
Rural outskirts
🌐 Geography & Environment
Kaesong’s landscape is characterized by:
Rolling hills & river valleys
Green agricultural fields
Border proximity to South Korea
Historic temples & ruins
Mild climate
Major rivers include:
Imjin River
Ryesong River
Its geography made it a natural capital in medieval Korea.
🧩 Industry & Development
Historically a cultural & trading city, Kaesong has the following industries:
Ginseng production (very famous)
Light manufacturing
Food processing
Handicrafts based on Goryeo heritage
Tourism (strictly controlled)
Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC)
One of the most important inter-Korean projects:
Joint DPRK–ROK manufacturing zone
South Korean factories used North Korean labor
Peak employment: ~55,000 North Korean workers
Suspended in 2016
Seen as a model for future reunification cooperation
🛡️ Security, Military & Border Control
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| KPA Ground Forces | Heavy presence near DMZ |
| Border Guards | Monitor Kaesong–South Korea boundary |
| Military Command Centers | Strategic posts nearby |
| Special Security Zones | Around industrial & DMZ areas |
Kaesong is one of the most sensitive military zones in DPRK.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | State atheism; historic Buddhist sites preserved |
| Language | Standard Korean (Kaesong dialect influences) |
| Cultural Identity | Goryeo heritage, medieval ruins, ginseng culture |
| UNESCO Sites | Historic Monuments & Sites of Kaesong (UNESCO World Heritage) |
Major heritage sites include:
Manwoldae Palace Ruins
Kaesong Namdaemun
Songgyungwan Confucian Academy
Goryeo-era walls & gates
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ginseng | Kaesong ginseng is world-famous |
| Tourism | Heritage-focused, limited access |
| Manufacturing | Light industry |
| Agriculture | Rice, corn, vegetables |
| Cross-border trade potential | Dependent on political conditions |
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Universities | Kaesong Teacher Training College |
| Institutes | Cultural heritage & arts |
| Healthcare | Kaesong General Hospital + rural clinics |
| Challenges | Infrastructure limitations due to border controls |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Highways | Pyongyang–Kaesong Highway |
| Road Links | DMZ to South Korea (closed) |
| Railway | Kaesong–Pyongyang line |
| Urban Transport | Buses, trolleybuses |
| Border Facilities | Customs & immigration terminals (inactive) |
The city once linked directly to Dorasan Station, South Korea, during joint operations.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Important sites include:
Manwoldae Palace Ruins
Namdaemun Gate
Songgyungwan (Confucian Academy)
Kaesong Koryo Museum
Koryo-era stone pagodas
Royal tombs
Kaesong old town
Ginseng markets
Kaesong is one of DPRK’s most culturally rich and historically valuable cities.
🌍 Global Importance
| Aspect | Importance |
|---|---|
| Historic Capital | Former capital of the Goryeo Dynasty |
| DMZ Gateway | Closest North Korean city to Seoul |
| Economic Cooperation | Kaesong Industrial Complex |
| UNESCO Heritage | Major cultural preservation zone |
Kaesong symbolizes both division and unity of the Korean Peninsula.
📝 Summary
Kaesong is a city where history, culture, and geopolitics converge.
As the ancient heart of Korean civilization and a frontline border city, it represents the past, present, and possible future of inter-Korean relations.
With its UNESCO heritage, rich culture, and strategic location, Kaesong remains one of the most important cities in the DPRK.
📢 News & Articles
“UNESCO Heritage of Kaesong: Legacy of the Goryeo Dynasty”
“Kaesong Industrial Complex: The Rise and Fall of Inter-Korean Cooperation”
“Life Near the DMZ: Inside Kaesong”
🎯 Our Mission
This city profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, offering structured knowledge on every region and historic city globally.