Hyesan

Hyesan is a city in northern North Korea, the capital of Ryanggang Province. It lies on the Yalu River, opposite the Chinese frontier, making it one of the northern border towns of the country. The city is located in a mountainous part of the Paektu Mountain region and experiences cold winters and rugged terrain.

As the provincial capital, Hyesan functions as an administrative and economic center for Ryanggang. The population figure is not publicly released by North Korean authorities, but the city is described as home to tens of thousands of residents. The surrounding area is known for forestry, mining, and agricultural activities in the valleys along the river.

The border location has historically shaped Hyesan's economy and daily life, with cross-border trade and transit playing a limited role under state control. The Yalu River border crossing provides access to China, though all movement is tightly regulated. The city is connected by road to other parts of North Korea, and rail links exist in the broader regional network, though service is irregular and subject to political conditions.

Hyesan has been developed as a provincial administrative center since the mid-20th century. In recent decades, access for outsiders has been restricted, and information about the city is limited due to North Korea's closed-border policies. The surrounding region is noted for its natural scenery and proximity to Mount Paektu.