Rason

Rason is a city in North Korea. It sits on the edge of the sea. It is near China and Russia.

The city has a big port. The water there does not freeze. This lets big ships come in.

Ships bring oil to a large plant. They also bring coal. Many boats visit the docks.

People from China and Russia visit too. Some go to a hotel by the sea.

Rason is a busy place for trade. It is a special city for the land.

Rason is a special city in North Korea. It sits on the northeast tip of the country. The city is right by the Sea of Japan. It is in a place called the Kwanbuk region. Rason is very close to China and Russia. A river called the Tumen River forms the border with Russia.

One of the most important parts of Rason is its port. The water in the port does not freeze. This means big ships can visit all year. The port helps move many things. For example, coal comes from mines in China. Large oil tankers also come to the port. They bring oil to a big refinery. This is the largest oil plant in North Korea.

Many people visit Rason for work or fun. China invests money in the port to help trade. Some people visit a hotel and casino by the sea. Many tourists come from Russia and China. Rason also has many minerals like iron and clay. It even has a place where ships are built. The city is a busy spot for the whole region.

Rason is a special city located in North Korea. It sits on the northeast tip of the country. The city is part of the Kwanbuk region. It is a very important place because it has an ice-free port. This port sits in the Sea of Japan, which is part of the North Pacific Ocean. Rason is close to two other big countries. It borders China and Russia. The Tumen River acts as a natural border between North Korea and Russia.

The city works as a busy hub for trade and transport. Its port allows ships to visit even in cold weather. Many different things move through this area. For example, coal travels from Chinese mines to Shanghai. Large oil tankers also visit the port to unload their cargo. This oil goes to the Rajin Oil Refinery. This facility is the largest oil refinery in all of North Korea.

Rason has a long and changing history. In the 1930s, the Japanese called the area Rashin. At that time, it was a major port at the end of a railroad. On August 14, 1945, the Red Army took control of the area. Before 1991, the Soviet Union used Rason as a warm-water port. They built naval facilities there starting in 1979. The name was changed from Rajin-Sŏnbong to Rason in the year 2000.

There are many interesting facts about this city. Rason is divided into two main districts called Rajin-guyŏk and Sŏnbong-guyŏk. The city has many different neighborhoods like Anju-dong and Sinan-dong. It is home to the No 28 Shipyard Najin, which builds ships. The city also has many minerals like iron, clay, and magnesite. The Hongui Line railroad connects Rason to the Russian town of Khasan. The Tumen River Bridge connects the city to Hunchun in China.

Today, Rason is a place where many different people meet. China invests money in the port to help with trade. Since 2025, many tourists can visit the area. People from Russia and China often visit the city. There is even a resort called the Rason Emperor Hotel and Casino by the sea. This casino caters to visitors from China. Rason remains a key link between North Korea, China, and Russia.

Rason is a special city located in North Korea. It sits on the northeast tip of the country. This city is part of the Kwanbuk region. Rason is notable because it contains an ice-free port. This port is located in the Sea of Japan. This sea is part of the larger North Pacific Ocean. The city serves as a vital link for trade and military activity in the region.

The geography of Rason makes it a unique meeting point for three nations. It borders Hunchun county in the Jilin province of China. It also borders the Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai, Russia. The Tumen River serves as the natural border between North Korea and Russia. This river is crossed by the Tumen River Bridge, which connects Rason to Hunchun. Because of this location, Rason acts as a gateway for movement between these neighbors.

History has shaped the identity and name of this city many times. During the 1930s, the Japanese called the area Rashin. At that time, it was an important port at the end of a railroad line. On August 14, 1945, the Red Army took control of the area. Before 1991, the Soviet Union used Rason as an alternative warm-water port. They built Soviet naval facilities there starting in 1979. The city was originally known as Rajin-Sŏnbong. In the year 2000, the name was shortened to Rason.

Administrative control of Rason has also shifted over the years. From 1993 to 2004, it was a directly governed city called a chikhalsi. During this time, it was managed separately from North Hamgyŏng Province. Before 1993 and again from 2004 to 2009, it was part of that province. Since 2010, Rason has held the status of a "special city." This status breaks it from provincial control once again. The city is currently divided into two main districts called kuyŏk. These are Rajin-guyŏk and Sŏnbong-guyŏk. Each district contains many smaller neighborhoods, such as Anju-dong and Sinan-dong.

The economy of Rason relies heavily on its maritime and mineral resources. The Rajin port is a central hub for many different industries. China makes investments in the port to gain access to the Sea of Japan. In July 2011, North Korea allowed Chinese domestic trade cargo to be shipped via the port of Rajin. This cargo moves from northeast China to east China. For example, coal is shipped from nearby Chinese mines to Shanghai. The city also holds various mineral resources, including iron, magnesite, clay, and coal.

Industrial facilities in Rason support both local and international needs. The Rajin Oil Refinery is the largest oil refinery in North Korea. While North Korea lacks its own oil wells, it imports oil to supply these refineries. Large oil tankers are frequently seen unloading at the Rajin port. The city is also home to the No 28 Shipyard Najin. This shipyard builds ships and supplies the Korean People's Navy. Additionally, the Korean People's Navy maintains a naval training base at Rajin Port. In 2017, a Chinese company leased a dock at the port for 10 years.

Tourism and international connections provide further layers to the city. The Rason Emperor Hotel and Casino is a resort owned by the Hong Kong-based Emperor Group. This casino by the sea caters to Chinese visitors. Since 2025, North Korea has allowed tourism for most people. However, American and South Korean citizens are not allowed to visit. There are currently large amounts of Russian and Chinese tourists in the area. Transport links like the Pyongra Line and Hambuk Line connect the city via Rajin Station. The Hongui Line also connects Rason with the Russian town of Khasan.