Changjin County

Changjin or Jangjin is a mountainous county in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. Changjin lies on the Rangrim and Pujŏllyong ranges, and most of the county sits atop the Kaema Plateau. Due to this location, Changjin has a particularly cold climate. The highest point is Ryŏnhwasan (련화산). The chief stream is the Changjin River. Lake Changjin is a large reservoir in Changjin County. Changjin County is divided into 1 ŭp (town), 3 rodongjagu (workers' districts) and 16 ri (villages): In historical contexts the lake is sometimes known according to its Japanese pronunciation, as the Chōshin Reservoir. (Most likely the Japanese pronunciation of the Korean name, for the actual Kanji; 長津湖, is read out as Nagatsu mizuumi). In 1950 it was the site of a major battle of the Korean War, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, in which the Chinese People's Volunteer Army stopped the northward advance of the United Nations allied forces, but paid a heavy price in casualties. Changjin produces large amounts of lumber, and leads the province in mine production.