P'yongyang

P'yŏngyang (평양; 平壤) (population 2,741,260 (1993)) is the capital city of North Korea, located in the northwest of the country, near the Taedong[?] river.

According to legend, the city was founded in 1122 BC. The Han Empire established commanderies here in 108 BC, which lasted for 400 years. After they were abolished, Goguryeo moved its capital here in 427. The Tang Empire destroyed Goguryeo and put Andong Commandery in P'ŏngyang (668-676). In 676 it was wrested by Silla[?] but left unattended.

The capital has been completely rebuilt since the Korean War (1950-1953). The city is modern with wide avenues. The two-line underground system was built in 1970s. There is also a tram and trolleybus[?] service.