| Munch'ŏn | |
| Native Name Lang: | ko |
| Settlement Type: | Municipal City |
| Translit Lang1 Type: | Chosŏn'gŭl |
| Translit Lang1 Info: | 문천시 |
| Translit Lang1: | Korean |
| Translit Lang1 Type1: | Hancha |
| Translit Lang1 Info2: | Munch'ŏn si |
| Translit Lang1 Info3: | Muncheon-si |
| Pushpin Map: | North Korea |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location within North Korea |
| Coordinates: | 39.259°N 127.356°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | North Korea |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Kangwon Province |
| Population As Of: | 2008 |
| Population Total: | 122,934 |
| Parts Type: | Administrative divisions |
| Parts: | 16 tong, 14 ri |
| Timezone: | Pyongyang Time |
| Utc Offset: | +9 |
| Blank Name: | Climate |
Munch'ŏn (pronounced as /ko/) is a North Korean city located in Kangwŏn Province. It lies on the coast of the Sea of Japan and borders Wonsan.
During the era of Four Commanderies of Han, the region was known as the Xietoumei prefecture under Lintun Commandery. During the later Han period, it was part of the kingdom of Dongye and became part of Goguryeo in the 3rd century. The region was called Maeguru at the time of King Gwanggaeto the Great.[1] Before 1413, the region was part of Hamgyong province, then known as Munju County, but due to the naming changes that follows the convention of changing regional names that end with ju to end with chon(川) or san(山), it became the county of Munchon. Manju was a sinicized name of the Korean name 'Mulgol (물골, water valley or town)' where the Korean word mul was substituted with mun which sounds similar to the Korean.[2] In 1946, the region became part of Kangwon province. In 1972, after numerous subdivision changes, the county was abolished and incorporated into nearby counties. The county was once again restored in 1976 when some parts of it were incorporated into the city of Wonsan. In 1991, the county was promoted to a city.[2]
Munch'ŏn sits on Yŏnghŭng Bay, a bay of the Sea of Japan, on lowland seacoast terrain. The Masingryŏng Mountain Range is to the southwest. The Sokko Mountain Range and Ch'ŏllyŏng Mountain Range are also located here, and Kulttuk Peak is the highest mountain in the region. The main river is the Namch'ŏn River.[3]
Munch'ŏn has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dwa).
Munch'ŏn is divided into 16 tong and 14 ri:
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Fishery, fruit, and livestock are the main industries of the region. Grain is the main agricultural product.[3] The region is also known for its oysters.[4]
Munch'ŏn has reserves of zinc, gold, silver, limestone, dolomite, granite and clay. Anthracite is also produced.
Munch'ŏn-si is served by the Kangwŏn Line of the Korean State Railway, with stations at Koam-dong, Okp'yŏng-dong and Munch'ŏn-dong.