The power of human will is immeasurable. It was the sheer will and perseverance of men that raised a city from its grave to glory. Pyongyang, a war-torn city, rose from its ashes like a phoenix, when its inhabitants chose to build it anew.
According to Korean legends, Pyongyang, Korea’s oldest city, was founded in 1122 BC. The capital of North Korea, Pyongyang has witnessed many wars and much destruction. It was a colony of Japan; and under Japan, the city became an industrial centre and was known as Heijo. During the Korean War, the city was destroyed completely. Kim II-sung, the first Supreme Leader of North Korea, rebuilt the city according to his vision. The rebuilding made the city beautiful with wide, tree-lined boulevards and public buildings with terraced landscaping, mosaics and decorated ceilings. A longterm modernisation programme that was meant to rejuvenate the nation started in 2001.
Pyongyang is North Korea’s industrial centre. The city has an abundance of natural resources like coal, iron and limestone, as well as good land and water transport systems. Therefore, it was not very difficult for the city to come back to its glory after the Korean War.
Some of North Korea’s most recognisable landmarks are found in the city such as the Juche Tower, the Arch of Triumph and the Mansu Hill Grand Monument.
Picture Credit: Google
