This is not your usual anti-DPRK rant. These are simply the five cities in North Korea that are the most economically depressed, industrially stagnant, or isolated.
This list is based on population, industrial decline, and remoteness, not sensationalist claims or media exaggeration.
Count is from 5 to 1, saving the worst city until last.
5) Tanchon (South Hamgyong Province)
Tanchon is a port and industrial city on the east coast. Its economy relies on mining and chemical production, but heavy industry has declined over the years. Housing is basic, infrastructure is limited, and the population faces shortages in goods and services. Life here is hard compared with the capital or other industrial hubs.
4) Sonbong (Rason Special City)
Sonbong sits at the northeastern tip of the country. As part of the Rason economic zone, it was intended to develop trade links with Russia and China, but the city remains isolated and underpopulated. Its port and administrative buildings dominate, while daily life is quiet and resources are limited. We though like Rason.
3) Haeju (South Hwanghae Province)
Haeju is a provincial capital, but much of its industrial base has suffered over the decades. Agricultural processing and small factories are the main employers, yet infrastructure remains outdated. The city has little economic diversification, and residents experience shortages and limited services compared to larger cities like Pyongyang.
2) Anju (South Pyongan Province)
Anju is a coal and chemical production centre. Industrial decline and a narrow economic base make life here difficult. Housing and infrastructure are minimal, and the city is largely dependent on state industries that are in slow decay. Access to goods, healthcare, and modern amenities is limited for residents.
1) Hyesan (Ryanggang Province)
Hyesan is a border city in the far north. Isolated, industrially weak, and heavily reliant on forestry, it faces the harshest living conditions on this list. Shortages, extreme winters, and limited industry make it the most economically depressed city in North Korea. Oh and you can’t visit.
Conclusion
These are the five cities in North Korea that face the greatest economic and infrastructural challenges. This list is about population, industry, and remoteness, not politics or propaganda.
Life in these cities is tough, and they are considerably less developed than Pyongyang, Wonsan, or Rason.
Click to see the worst cities in South Korea (link to Shit Cities).