Nyongbyon County

Nyŏngbyŏn County (also Ryŏngbyŏn; in standard Southern dialect: Yŏngbyŏn) is a county in North Pyŏngan province, North Korea. It borders the cities of Kaechŏn and Anju, and covers an area of 504 km².
Description.
The city was heavily fortified during the 15th century as a result of its strategic position, and during the Josŏn Dynasty, became a retreat for the aristocratic "ryangban" due to its fantastic scenery. The city's Yaksan, meaning medicine mountain, was well known for its azaleas; the modern poet Kim So-wol wrote one of his best-known poems on this subject. Two other mountains, Yaksan-dongdae, east of Yaksan, and Moran Hill are also scenic spots. Nyŏngbyŏn also houses many important relics, including the Chŏnju and Soun Buddhist temples, dating from 1345 and 1684 respectively; the Ryuksung Pavilion, famous for "six scenic views" of Nyŏngbyŏn; and the Ch'ŏl'ong Castle, built to protect the city during the Ri Dynasty. The south gate of Nyŏngbyŏn, called Mannomun, is also nearby.
Administrative divisions.
Nyŏngbyŏn county is divided into 1 "ŭp" (town), 1 "rodongjagu" (workers' district) and 26 "ri" (villages):
Economy.
The Nyŏngbyŏn Nuclear Scientific Research Centre, a major component of the North Korean nuclear program, is located here.
Transportation.
The Chŏngnyŏn Pharwŏn Line of the Korean State Railway passes through Nyŏngbyŏn county.