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Rason

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Rason, Special Economic Zone in Rason, North Korea

Description

Rason is a port city at the northeastern tip of the country with three separate harbors bordering both China and Russia. It operates as a special economic zone with different rules for international trade and commerce.

History

The city was under Japanese control, came under Soviet administration in 1945, and became the country's first special economic zone in 1991. This shift attracted foreign investors and transformed its economic purpose.

Culture

The place is known for its market where visitors can trade directly with local merchants, a practice not found elsewhere in the country. This shows how commerce operates differently in this zone compared to the rest of the nation.

Practical

Visitors need a special entry permit rather than a standard visa to enter. Chinese currency is the main form of payment accepted throughout the area.

Did you know?

The port area is the northernmost ice-free harbor in Northeast Asia and uniquely allows access to citizens of countries with no diplomatic relations with the nation. This makes it an unusual gateway for contact with the outside world.

Location
Elevation above the sea
27 m
Shares border with
Primorsky Krai
GPS coordinates
42.24973,130.31133
Latest update
December 14, 2025 20:42

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (North Korea).

Administrative divisions
« Rason - Special Economic Zone in Rason, North Korea » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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