1. Pyongyang – ~3,222,000
The capital and largest city, political and cultural heart of North Korea.
2. Hamhŭng – ~559,000
Major industrial port city in South Hamgyong known for petrochemicals.
3. Namp’o – ~455,000
Important western seaport and industrial hub on the Taedong River estuary.
4. Sunch’ŏn – ~437,000
Industrial city in South Phyongan Province, known for chemical plants.
5. Hungnam (Heungnam) – ~346,000
District of Hamhŭng renowned for the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex.
6. Kaesŏng – ~338,000
Historic border city near the DMZ with medieval Koryo-era fortress.
7. Wŏnsan – ~329,000
Coastal city and naval port on the East Sea, with growing tourism.
8. Ch’ŏngjin – ~327,000
North Hamgyong capital, industrial “City of Iron” with ports and trams.
9. Sariwŏn – ~310,100
South Hwanghae provincial capital, notable for educational institutions.
10. Sinuiju – ~288,100
Major border city on the Yalu River facing China, trade hub.
11. Haeju – ~273,000
South Hwanghae city with agricultural and historical importance.
12. Kanggye – ~252,000
Capital of Chagang Province, mountainous inland city.
13. Anju – ~240,000
Industrial city in South P’yŏngan known for coal mining.
14. Tŏkchŏn – ~237,000
South P’yŏngan city with industries and thermal power facilities.
15. Kimchaek (Sŏngjin) – ~207,300
Steel and port city in North Hamgyong.
16. Rasŏn – ~197,000
Special Economic Zone city on the northeast coast, open for limited tourism since 2025.
17. Kusŏng – ~196,500
North P’yŏngan city near Sinŭiju with historical significance.
18. Hyesan – ~192,700
Border city near Mount Paektu, known for mining and forest products.
19. Sunch’ŏn (alternate listing) – ~250,700
Often included under province figure with similar population.
20. Paech’ŏn-up – ~159,825
County-level town in South Hwanghae with regional agricultural role.
21. Songnim-ni – ~152,425
South P’yŏngan industrial town.
22. Ch’ŏngdan-up – ~142,607
City in South P’yŏngan with local manufacturing.
23. Sinch’on-up – ~141,407
County-level town in South Hwanghae Province.
24. Paek’ak – ~125,924
County town in South Hamgyong known for agriculture.
25. Manp’o – ~116,760
Gateway city on the Chinese border, in Chagang Province.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
