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==History== ===Prehistory=== In 1955, archaeologists excavated evidence of prehistoric dwellings in a large ancient village in the Pyongyang area, called Kŭmtan-ni, dating to the [[Jeulmun pottery period|Jeulmun]] and [[Mumun pottery period|Mumun]] pottery periods.<ref>National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. 2001. Geumtan-ri. ''Hanguk Gogohak Sajeon'' [Dictionary of Korean Archaeology], pp. 148–149. NRICH, Seoul. {{ISBN|89-5508-025-5}}</ref> North Koreans associate Pyongyang with the [[Korean mythology|mythological]] city of "[[Asadal]]", or ''[[Wanggeom-seong]]'', the first second millennium BC capital of [[Gojoseon]] ("Old Joseon") according to Korean historiographies beginning with the 13th-century ''[[Samguk yusa]]''. Historians{{who|date=April 2018}} deny this claim because earlier Chinese historiographical works such as the ''[[Guanzi (text)|Guanzi]]'', ''[[Classic of Mountains and Seas]]'', ''[[Records of the Grand Historian]]'', and ''[[Records of the Three Kingdoms]]'', mention a much later "Joseon".{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} The connection between the two therefore may have been asserted by North Korea for the use of propaganda.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} Nevertheless, Pyongyang became a major city in old Joseon. ===Historical period=== [[File:Tomb of King Tongmyong, Pyongyang, North Korea.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Tomb of King Tongmyong]]]] Pyongyang was founded in 1122 BC on the site of the capital of the legendary king [[Dangun]].<ref name="EBPyongyang"/> [[Wanggeom-seong]], which was in the location of Pyongyang, became the capital of [[Gojoseon]] from 194 to 108 BC. It fell in the [[Han conquest of Gojoseon]] in 108 BC. [[Emperor Wu of Han]] ordered four commanderies be set up, with [[Lelang Commandery]] in the center and its capital established as "Joseon" (朝鮮縣, 조선현) at the location of Pyongyang. Several archaeological findings from the later, [[Eastern Han]] (20–220 AD) period in the Pyongyang area seems to suggest that Han forces later launched brief incursions around these parts. The area around the city was called Nanglang during the early [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Kingdoms period]]. As the capital of Nanglang ({{korean|hangul=낙랑국|hanja=樂浪國|labels=no}}),{{Efn |Nanglang-state is different from Lelang Commandery.}} Pyongyang remained an important commercial and cultural outpost after the Lelang Commandery was destroyed by an expanding [[Goguryeo]] in 313. Goguryeo moved its capital there in 427. According to [[Christopher I. Beckwith|Christopher Beckwith]], ''Pyongyang'' is the [[Sino-Korean vocabulary|Sino-Korean reading]] of the name they gave it in their language: ''Piarna'', or "level land".<ref>{{Cite book |first=Christopher I. |last=Beckwith |title=Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-691-13589-2 |page=104}}</ref> In 668, Pyongyang became the capital of the [[Protectorate General to Pacify the East]] established by the [[Tang dynasty]] of China. However, by 676, it was taken by [[Silla]], but left on the border between Silla and [[Balhae]]. Pyongyang was left abandoned during the [[Later Silla]] period, until it was recovered by [[Taejo of Goryeo|Wang Geon]] and decreed as the Western Capital of [[Goryeo]]. During the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98)|Imjin War]], Pyongyang was captured by the Japanese and [[Battle of Pyongyang (1592)|held the city wall]] until they were defeated in the [[Siege of Pyongyang (1593)|Siege of Pyongyang]].<ref name="EBPyongyang"/> Later in the 17th century, it became temporarily occupied during the [[Qing invasion of Joseon]] until peace arrangements were made between Korea and Qing China. While the invasions made Koreans suspicious of foreigners, the influence of [[Christianity]] began to grow after the country opened itself up to foreigners in the 16th century. Pyongyang became the base of Christian expansion in Korea. By 1880 it had more than 100 churches and more Protestant missionaries than any other Asian city,<ref name="EBPyongyang">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/484693/Pyongyang |title=Pyongyang |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica Online |access-date=19 April 2015}}</ref> and was called "the [[Jerusalem]] of the East".<ref>{{cite news |title=Pyongyang, one-time Jerusalem of East |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2021/03/197_304944.html |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=2021-03-04 |access-date=13 March 2021 |archive-date=6 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306130908/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2021/03/197_304944.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1890, the city had 40,000 inhabitants.<ref name="populstat.info">{{cite web |first=Jan |last=Lahmeyer |publisher=University of Utrecht |url=http://www.populstat.info/Asia/nkoreat.htm |work=Populstat |title=North Korea – Urban Population |access-date=27 April 2011 |archive-date=16 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516061707/http://www.populstat.info/Asia/nkoreat.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was the site of the [[Battle of Pyongyang (1894)|Battle of Pyongyang]] during the [[First Sino-Japanese War]], which led to the destruction and depopulation of much of the city.<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Pyongyang |title=P'yŏngyang | national capital, North Korea | Britannica |date=29 May 2023 |access-date=27 November 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404043358/https://www.britannica.com/place/Pyongyang |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the provincial capital of South Pyeongan Province beginning in 1896. During the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese colonial rule]], Japan tried to develop the city as an industrial center, but faced the [[March First Movement]] in 1919 and severe anti-Japanese socialist movement in 1920s due to economic exploitation.<ref name="britannica.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.seoul.go.kr/the-march-first-independence-movement-of-seoul-and-pyeongyang/ |title=March 1st movement Pyongyang |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408084735/https://english.seoul.go.kr/the-march-first-independence-movement-of-seoul-and-pyeongyang/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%9C%9D%E9%AE%AE%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E5%A5%A8%E5%8A%B1%E9%81%8B%E5%8B%95-98045 |title=朝鮮物産奨励運動 |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408083054/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%9C%9D%E9%AE%AE%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E5%A5%A8%E5%8A%B1%E9%81%8B%E5%8B%95-98045 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0052020 |script-title=ko:물산장려운동 |access-date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408083054/https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0052020 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was called Heijō (with the same Chinese characters {{lang|ja|平壤}} but read as {{lang|ja|へいじょう}}) in Japanese. [[File:De daken van Pyongyang Gezicht op de daken van eenvoudige, dicht op elkaar gebouwde huizen, Pyongyang, Noord-Korea, RP-F-2000-9-51.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pyongyang, 1907]] [[File:Heijo Tram.JPG|thumb|Pyongyang Tram, {{circa|1920s}}]] In July 1931, the city experienced [[Wanpaoshan Incident#Anti-Chinese riots in Korea|anti-Chinese riots]] as a result of the [[Wanpaoshan Incident]] and the sensationalized media reports about it which appeared in Imperial Japanese and Korean newspapers.<ref>Memorandum (Institute of Pacific Relations, American Council), Vol. 2, No. 5 (16 Mar 1933), pp. 1–3</ref> By 1938, Pyongyang had a population of 235,000.<ref name="populstat.info" /> ===After 1945=== <!-- This section can be expanded using THIS LINK http://www.notey.com/@publicdelivery_unofficial/external/15884940/calm-photos-of-pyongyang-the-ultimate-socialist-city.html --> [[File:Pyongyang aerial view (15124608601).jpg|thumb|right|Modern-day Pyongyang]] On 25 August 1945, the [[25th Army (Soviet Union)|Soviet 25th Army]] entered Pyongyang and it became the temporary capital of the [[Provisional People's Committee for North Korea]]. A People's Committee was already established there, led by veteran Christian nationalist [[Cho Man-sik]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Making of Modern Korea |last=Buzo |first=Adrian |year=2002 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=0-415-23749-1 |pages=54–57}}</ref> Pyongyang became the de facto capital of North Korea upon its establishment in 1948. At the time, the Pyongyang government aimed to recapture Korea's official capital, Seoul. [[Bombing of Pyongyang|Pyongyang was again severely damaged]] in the [[Korean War]], during which it was [[Battle of Pyongyang (1950)|briefly occupied]] by South Korean forces from 19 October to 6 December 1950. The city saw many refugees evacuate when advancing Chinese forces pushed southward towards Pyongyang. UN forces oversaw the evacuation of refugees as they retreated from Pyongyang in December 1950.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pyongyang taken as UN retreats, 1950 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/pyongyang-taken-as-un-retreats/znhynrd |access-date=2021-08-21 |website=BBC Archive |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821095028/https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/pyongyang-taken-as-un-retreats/znhynrd |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1952, it was the target of the largest aerial raid of the entire war, involving 1,400 UN aircraft. Already during the war, plans were made to reconstruct the city. On 27 July 1953 – the day the armistice between North Korea and South Korea was signed – ''The Pyongyang Review'' wrote: "While streets were in flames, an exhibition showing the general plan of restoration of Pyongyang was held at the Moranbong Underground Theater", the air raid shelter of the government under [[Moranbong]]. "On the way of victory... fireworks which streamed high into the night sky of the capital in a gun salute briefly illuminated the construction plan of the city which would rise soon with a new look".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schinz |first1=Alfred |last2=Eckart |first2=Dege |year=1990 |title=Pyongyang-Ancient and Modern – the Capital of North Korea |journal=GeoJournal |volume=22 |issue=1 |page=25 |doi=10.1007/BF02428536 |s2cid=153574542}}</ref> After the war, the city was quickly rebuilt with assistance from the [[Soviet Union]], and many buildings were built in the style of [[Stalinist architecture]]. The plans for the modern city of Pyongyang were first displayed for public viewing in a theatre building. Kim Jung-hee, one of the founding members of the Korean Architects Alliance, who had studied architecture in [[Empire of Japan|prewar Japan]], was appointed by Kim Il Sung to design the city's master plan. [[Moscow Architectural Institute]] designed the "Pyongyang City Reconstruction and Construction Comprehensive Plan" in 1951, and it was officially adopted in 1953. The transformation into a modern, propaganda-designed city featuring Stalin-style architecture with a Korean-style arrangement (and other modernist architecture that was said to have been greatly influenced by Brazilian architect [[Oscar Niemeyer]]) began.<ref>金聖甫、李信澈「写真と絵で見る北朝鮮現代史」監修: 李泳采、韓興鉄訳、コモンズ、東京・新宿(原著2010年12月1日).{{ISBN|978-4861870750}}.2018年4月30日閲覧.</ref> The [[Constitution of North Korea|1972 Constitution]] officially declared Pyongyang the capital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Korea (Democratic People's Republic of) 1972 (rev. 1998) Constitution - Constitute |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Peoples_Republic_of_Korea_1998 |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=www.constituteproject.org |language=en |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716120714/https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Peoples_Republic_of_Korea_1998 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Death and state funeral of Kim Il Sung|funeral of Kim Il Sung]] was held in Pyongyang in 1994. Then on 19 July, it concluded with a cortege procession when his corpse moved through the streets with a hearse as people cried out in hysteria while watching the funeral.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1994-07-19 |title=Crying by numbers at Kim's state funeral |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/crying-by-numbers-at-kim-s-state-funeral-1415015.html |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=16 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716121753/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/crying-by-numbers-at-kim-s-state-funeral-1415015.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2001, North Korean authorities began a long-term modernisation programme. The Ministry of Capital City Construction Development was included in the [[Cabinet of North Korea|Cabinet]] in that year. In 2006, Kim Jong Il's brother-in-law [[Jang Song-thaek|Jang Song Thaek]] took charge of the ministry. Throughout the rule of [[Kim Jong Un]] a number of residential projects were constructed. In 2012, Changjon Street,<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ko:[통일문화가꿔가기 38] 평양 창전거리 건설 비하인드 소설《강자》 |url=http://www.jajusibo.com/39729 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=자주시보}}</ref> a residential project with 2,784 units, was inaugurated in the heart of Pyongyang. 2013 and 2014 residential projects dedicated to scientists were completed in Unha Scientists Street and Wisong Scientists Street with more than 1,000 units each while in 2015 work took place on a residential project in [[Mirae Scientists Street]] with 2,584 units. In 2017, in dedication to the [[Day of the Sun|105th birthday]] of the [[History of North Korea|founder]] and first leader, [[Kim Il Sung]], 4,804 units were built in the new [[Ryomyong New Town|Ryomyong Street complex]]. The second decade of the 2000s saw the construction of residential projects in Songhwa Street near the [[Taedonggang Brewing Company]] in Sadong District (2022), in Taephyong area in Mangyongdae district, and in the Pothong Riverside Terraced Residential District located at the city center next to the Pothong River on land previously used by the headquarters of the [[International Taekwon-Do Federation]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.38north.org/2021/04/pyongyang-development-projects-off-to-a-strong-start/ |title=Pyongyang Development Projects off to a Strong Start |first=Martyn |last=Williams |date=15 April 2021 |website=[[38 North]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809045323/https://www.38north.org/2021/04/pyongyang-development-projects-off-to-a-strong-start/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kim Jong Un ordered that the residential district be renamed "Kyongru-dong" meaning "beautiful bead terrace".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nknews.org/2021/08/kim-jong-un-visits-construction-site-for-new-luxury-apartments-in-pyongyang/ |title=Kim Jong Un visits construction site for new luxury apartments in Pyongyang | NK News |date=21 August 2021 |website=[[NK News]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706231003/https://www.nknews.org/2021/08/kim-jong-un-visits-construction-site-for-new-luxury-apartments-in-pyongyang/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From the 50s to the 70s the area was the location of the residence of Kim Il Sung and was known as "Mansion No. 5".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/legacy-10252021135553.html |title=North Korean leader Kim Jong Un builds luxury villas over grandfather's old home |website=[[Radio Free Asia]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407200735/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/legacy-10252021135553.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Other recent public building projects include the [[Mansudae People's Theatre]] opened in 2012, the [[Munsu Water Park]] opened in 2013, and the renovated and expanded [[Pyongyang Sunan International Airport|Sunan International Airport]] and [[Pyongyang Sci-Tech Complex]], both completed in 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.38north.org/2017/07/hferon071817/ |title=Pyongyang's Construction Boom: Is North Korea Beating Sanctions? |first=Henri |last=Féron |date=18 July 2017 |website=[[38 North]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623122843/https://www.38north.org/2017/07/hferon071817/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the Samjiyon Orchestra Theater,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20181011005500315 |title=N. Korean leader visits newly renovated orchestra theater in Pyongyang |last=Yoo |first=Cheong-mo |date=11 October 2018 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623122843/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20181011005500315 |url-status=live }}</ref> which was fitted out of the domed Korean People's Army Circus built in 1964, and the [[Pyongyang General Hospital]], of which construction started in 2020. Additional re-development projects occurred in the area around the Arch of Triumph where the Pyongyang People's Hospital no. 1 was demolished. Apartment blocks in the area of Inhŭng-dong, in [[Moranbong-guyok]] district and in the area of Sinwon-dong in [[Potonggang-guyok|Pothonggang district]] were demolished<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nknews.org/2019/01/major-demolition-underway-in-central-pyongyangs-moranbong-district-imagery/ |title=Major demolition underway in central Pyongyang's Moranbong district: imagery | NK News |first=Colin |last=Zwirko |date=9 January 2019 |website=[[NK News]] |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623122843/https://www.nknews.org/2019/01/major-demolition-underway-in-central-pyongyangs-moranbong-district-imagery/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in 2018–2019 for the construction of new apartment buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nknews.org/pro/major-construction-springs-up-in-shadow-of-infamous-pyongyang-hotel-imagery/ |title=Major construction springs up in shadow of infamous Pyongyang hotel: Imagery |first=Colin |last=Zwirko |date=14 June 2022 |website=NK PRO |access-date=23 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623122429/https://www.nknews.org/pro/major-construction-springs-up-in-shadow-of-infamous-pyongyang-hotel-imagery/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also in 2018 the Youth Park Open-Air Theatre in Sungri Street, used to host political rallies, was rebuilt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1579273291-970390963/Pyongyang-City-Youth-Park-Open-Air-Theatre-inaugurated/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407050859/https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1579273291-970390963/Pyongyang-City-Youth-Park-Open-Air-Theatre-inaugurated/ |archive-date=7 April 2023 |title=Newstream}}</ref> In 2021–2022 a major housing project was executed along Songhwa Street in southeast part of the city<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2024/02/north-korea-kicks-off-fourth-10000-home-project-in-capital-in-four-years/|title=North Korea kicks off fourth 10,000-home project in capital in four years|author=Colin Zwirko|date=2024-02-26|accessdate=2024-02-26|publisher=[[NK News]]}}</ref> Hwasong Street in [[Hwasong-guyok|Hwasong District]] in northern Pyongyang with high-rises.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nknews.org/pro/north-korea-adds-skyscraper-simplifies-designs-for-major-new-housing-project/ |title=North Korea adds skyscraper, simplifies designs for major new housing project |date=2023-02-23 |access-date=2023-02-23 |publisher=[[NK News]] |author=Colin Zwirko |archive-date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223140131/https://www.nknews.org/pro/north-korea-adds-skyscraper-simplifies-designs-for-major-new-housing-project/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023 phase two of construction of housing in [[Hwasong-guyok|Hwasong district]] was launched, on the former territory of the Pyongyang Vegetable Science Institute. In addition, a complex of [[greenhouse]] farm and housing was initiated on the former territory of [[Kangdong Airport|Kangdong Airfield]] which was demolished in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nknews.org/2023/02/kim-jong-un-opens-construction-on-major-housing-and-farm-projects-in-capital/ |title=Kim Jong Un opens construction on major housing and farm projects in capital |author=Colin Zwirko |date=2023-02-16 |access-date=2023-02-17 |publisher=[[NK News]] |archive-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217203312/https://www.nknews.org/2023/02/kim-jong-un-opens-construction-on-major-housing-and-farm-projects-in-capital/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2024 the second stage of construction in the Hwasong area was completed in Rimhung Street with 10,000 apartments was marked with an extravagant ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2024/04/kim-jong-un-debuts-new-song-praising-himself-at-grand-opening-of-housing-project/|title=Kim Jong Un debuts new song praising himself at grand opening of housing project|publisher=[[NK News]]|author=Colin Zwirko|date=2024-04-17|accessdate=2024-04-17}}</ref> In 2025 a new residential district at Taesŏng-dong, [[Taesong-guyok]], next to [[Korea Central Zoo]] came under construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.38north.org/2025/03/quick-take-first-footprints-of-new-pyognyang-housing-project-appear/|title=Quick Take: First Footprints of New Pyongyang Housing Project Appear|date=2025-03-13|accessdate=2025-04-02|last1=Williams|first1=Martyn|last2=Ragnone|first2=Iliana|publisher=[[NK News]]}}</ref> Also in 2025 the last phase in the construction of the the southern end of the Hwasong District occured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.38north.org/2025/03/kim-jong-un-plots-continued-renewal-of-pyongyang/|title=Kim Jong Un Plots Continued Renewal of Pyongyang|last1=Williams|first1=Martyn|publisher=[[NK News]]|date=2025-03-10|accessdate=2025-04-02}}</ref> Pyongyang, alongside [[Seoul]], [[Bids for the 2032 Summer Olympics|launched a bid]] to host the [[2032 Summer Olympics]], but failed to make the joint city candidate list.
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