Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces

The Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces (Korean이북5도위원회; Hanja以北五道委員會, literally "The North's Five Provinces Committee") is a South Korean government body under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces
이북5도위원회 / 以北五道委員會
Map of North Korea with provincial divisions claimed by South Korea
Map of North Korea with provincial divisions claimed by South Korea
CapitalPyongyang
Official languagesKorean
GovernmentGovernment body under the South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety
• Collective Provincial Committee (led by the government relocated to South Korea)
Ki Deok-young
(Hwanghae)
Yang Jong-gwang
(North Pyeongan)
Cho Myeong-cheol
(South Pyeongan)
Lee Hoon
(North Hamgyeong)
Son Yang-young
(South Hamgyeong)
Local government under the Republic of Korea
ISO 3166 codeKP
Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces
Hangul
이북5도위원회
Hanja
以北五道委員會
Revised RomanizationIbuk Odo Wiwonhoe
McCune–ReischauerIbuk Odo Wiwŏnhoe

History edit

Established in 1949, the committee is officially responsible for the administration of the five Korean provinces located entirely north of the Military Demarcation Line, as the South Korean government formally claims to be the sole legitimate government of whole of Korea. The South Korean government does not recognise any changes to the borders of the provinces made by North Korea since its establishment. The President of South Korea appoints governors for each of the five provinces.[1] However, their role is largely symbolic (compare with titular bishops), as the territory is under the effective jurisdiction of North Korea. The committee's main practical function is to provide support to North Korean defectors living in South Korea, including helping with the resettlement of North Koreans and organizing social events for North Koreans.[1][2]

Despite its name, the committee plays no part in North Korea–South Korea relations; North Korean affairs are handled by the Ministry of Unification.[1] In the event of a North Korean collapse, contingency plans call for a new government body to be set up to administer the North under the leadership of the Unification Minister. In that case, the five governors would have to resign and the committee would be disbanded.[1][3]

Historical flag and emblem edit

North Hamgyeong edit

North Hamgyeong Province
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul함경북도
 • Hanja咸鏡北道
 • Revised RomanizationHamgyeongbuk-do
 
 
CapitalCheongjin
Subdivisions3 cities; 11 counties
Government
 • GovernorLee Hoon
Area
 • Total20,345 km2 (7,855 sq mi)

North Hamgyeong Province or Hamgyeongbuk-do (Korean pronunciation: [hamɡjʌŋ bukt͈o]) corresponds to North Korea's North Hamgyong Province, Rason Special City and part of Ryanggang Province.

Hamgyeongbuk-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 11 counties (gun):

Cities:

Counties:

  • Gyeongseong (경성, 鏡城) (administrative center at Gyeongseong-myeon)
    • 2 eup : Jueul, Eodaejin
    • 4 myeon : Gyeongseong, Eorang, Jubuk, Junam
  • Myeongcheon (명천, 明川) (administrative center at Sangwubuk-myeon)
    • 10 myeon : Sangwubuk, Dong, Sangga, Sanggo, Sangwunam, Seo, Agan, Haga, Hago, Hawu
  • Gilju (길주, 吉州)
    • 1 eup : Gilju
    • 5 myeon : Deoksan, Donghae, Yangsa, Ungpyeong, Jangbaek
  • Hakseong (학성, 鶴城) (administrative center at Seongjin)
    • 5 myeon : Hakseo, Hakdong, Hakjung, Haknam, Haksang
  • Buryeong (부령, 富寧)
    • 8 myeon : Buryeong, Gwanhae, Bugeo, Samhae, Seosang, Seokmak, Yeoncheon, Cheongam
  • Musan (무산, 茂山)
    • 1 eup : Musan
    • 9 myeon : Dong, Samjang, Samsa, Seoha, Eoha, Yeonsa, Yeonsang, Yeongbuk, Punggye
  • Hoenyeong (회녕, 會寧)
    • 1 eup : Hoenyeong
    • 6 myeon : Byeokseong, Boeul, Yongheung, Changdu, Paleul, Hwapyeong
  • Jongseong (종성, 鍾城)
    • 6 myeon : Jongseong, Namsan, Yonggye, Punggok, Haengyeong, Hwabang
  • Onseong (온성, 穩城)
    • 6 myeon : Onseong, Namyang, Mipo, Yeongwa, Yeongchung, Hunyung
  • Gyeongwon (경원, 慶源)
    • 6 myeon : Gyeongwon, Dongwon, Asan, Annong, Yongdeok, Yudeok
  • Gyeongheung (경흥, 慶興) (administrative center at Unggi-eup)
    • 2 eup : Unggi, Aoji
    • 3 myeon : Gyeonghung, Punghae, Noseo

South Hamgyeong edit

South Hamgyeong Province
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul함경남도
 • Hanja咸鏡南道
 • Revised RomanizationHamgyeongnam-do
 
 
CapitalHamheung
Subdivisions3 cities; 16 counties
Government
 • GovernorSon Yang-young
Area
 • Total31,977 km2 (12,346 sq mi)

South Hamgyeong Province (Korean: 함경남도, Hamgyeongnam-do) (Korean pronunciation: [hamɡjʌŋ namdo]) corresponds to North Korea's South Hamgyong Province, as well as parts of Ryanggang Province, Chagang Province, Kangwon Province and China's Jilin Province (several parts of Hyesan County (Heaven Lake) are under the rule of China, and other parts of same county are claimed by the Republic of China).

Hamgyeongnam-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 16 counties (gun):

Cities:

Counties:

  • Hamju (함주, 咸州) (administrative center at Hamheung)
    • 16 myeon : Gigok, Deoksan, Dongcheon, Sampyeong, Sanggicheon, Sangjoyang, Seondeok, Yeonpo, Jubuk, Juseo, Juji, Cheonseo, Cheonwon, Toejo, Hagicheon, Hajoyang
  • Sinheung (신흥, 新興)
    • 8 myeon : Sinheung, Gapyeong, Sangwoncheon, Seogocheon, Yeonggo, Wonpyeong, Hawoncheon, Dongsang
  • Jeongpyeong (정평, 定平)
    • 8 myeon : Chongpyong, Gosan, Gwangdeok, Gwirim, Munsan, Sinsang, Jangwon, Jui
  • Yeongheung (영흥, 永興)
    • 1 eup : Yeongheung
    • 11 myeon : Goryeong, Deokheung, Seonheung, Sunryeong, Eokgi, Yodeok, Inheung, Jangheung, Jinpyeong, Hodo, Heongcheon
  • Gowon (고원, 高原)
    • 1 eup : Gowon
    • 5 myeon : Gunnae, Sangok, Sangsan, Sudong, Ungok
  • Muncheon (문천, 文川) (administrative center at Muncheon-myeon)
    • 1 eup : Cheonnae
    • 7 myeon : Muncheon, Deokwon, Myeonggu, Bukseong, Unrim, Pungsang, Pungha
  • Anbyeon (안변, 安邊)
    • 7 myeon : Anbyeon, Ando, Seokwangsa, Baehwa, Seogok, Singosan, Sinmo
  • Hongwon (홍원, 洪原)
    • 1 eup : Hongwon
    • 6 myeon : Gyeongwun, Bohyeon, Samho, Yongwon, Yongpo, Unhak
  • Bukcheong (북청, 北靑)
    • 3 eup : Bukcheong, Sinpo, Sinchang
    • 11 myeon : Gahoe, Geosan, Deokseong, Sanggeoseo, Seongdae, Sokhu, Sin-Bukcheong, Yanghwa, Igok, Hageoseo, Huchang
  • Iwon (이원, 利原) (administrative center at Iwon-myeon)
    • 1 eup : Chaho
    • 3 myeon : Iwon, Dong, Namsong
  • Dancheon (단천, 端川)
    • 1 eup : Dancheon
    • 8 myeon : Gwangcheon, Damduil, Bokgwi, Bukdoil, Suha, Sinman, Ijung, Hada
  • Jangjin (장진, 長津)
    • 7 myeon : Jangjin, Dongmun, Dongha, Buk, Sangnam, Seohan, Jungnam
  • Pungsan (풍산, 豐山)
    • 5 myeon : Pungsan, Ansan, Ansu, Ungyi, Cheonnam
  • Samsu (삼수, 三水)
    • 7 myeon : Samsu, Geumsu, Gwanheung, Samseo, Sinpa, Jaseo, Hoin
  • Gapsan (갑산, 甲山)
    • 5 myeon : Gapsan, Dongin, Jindong, Sannam, Hoerin
  • Hyesan (혜산, 惠山)
    • 1 eup : Hyesan
    • 5 myeon : Daejin, Byeoldong, Bocheon, Bongdu, Unheung

Hwanghae edit

Hwanghae Province
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul황해도
 • Hanja黃海道
 • Revised RomanizationHwanghae-do
 
 
CapitalHaeju
Subdivisions3 cities; 17 counties
Government
 • GovernorKi Deok-young
Area
 • Total16,743.66 km2 (6,464.76 sq mi)

Hwanghae Province or Hwanghae-do (Korean pronunciation: [hwaŋ.hɛ.do]) corresponds to North Korea's North Hwanghae Province (except Kaesong which is claimed to be part of Gyeonggi Province) and South Hwanghae Province.

Hwanghae-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 17 counties (gun):

Cities:

Counties:

  • Byeokseong (벽성; 碧城) (administrative center at Haeju)
    • 20 myeon : Gajwa, Geomdan, Gosan, Nadeok, Daegeo, Donggang, Miyul, Seoseok, Songrim, Unsan, Wolrok, Janggok, Haenam, Geumsan, Naesong, Dongun, Yeongcheon, Ilsin, Cheongryong, Chuhwa
  • Yeonbaek (연백; 延白)
    • 1 eup : Yeonan
    • 19 myeon : Gwaegung, Geumsan, Dochon, Mokdan, Bongbuk, Bongseo, Seoksan, Songbong, Onjeong, Yongdo, Unsan, Yugok, Euncheon, Haeryong, Haeseong, Haewol, Honam, Hodong, Hwaseong
  • Ongjin (옹진; 甕津)
    • 1 eup : Ongjin
    • 10 myeon : Gacheon, Gyojeong, Dongnam, Bonggu, Bumin, Buk, Seo, Yongyeon, Yongcheon, Heungmi
  • Jangyeon (장연; 長淵)
    • 1 eup : Jangyeon
    • 9 myeon : Nakdo, Daegu, Mokgam, Sokdal, Suntaek, Sinhwa, Yongyeon, Haean, Hunam
  • Geumcheon (금천; 金川)
    • 12 Myeon : Geumcheon, Godong, Gui, Sanoe, Seobuk, Seocheon, Oeryu, Ubong, Ungdeok, Jwa, Tosan, Habtan
  • Singye (신계; 新溪)
    • 8 myeon : Singye, Go, Dami, Dayul, Maseo, Saji, Jeokyeo, Chon
  • Pyeongsan (평산; 平山)
    • 1 eup : Namcheon
    • 13 myeon : Pyongsan, Goji, Geumam, Masan, Munmu, Sangwol, Seobong, Segok, Sinam, Anseong, Yongsan, Insan, Jeokam
  • Bongsan (봉산; 鳳山) (administrative center at Sariwon)
    • 13 myeon : Guyeon, Gicheon, Deokjae, Dongseon, Mancheon, Munjeong, Sain, Sansu, Seojeong, Ssangsan, Yeongcheon, Chowa, Toseong
  • Seoheung (서흥; 瑞興)
    • 1 eup : Sinmak
    • 10 myeon : Seoheung, Gupo, Naedeok, Do, Maeyang, Mokgam, Sepyeong, Sosa, Yongpyeong, Yulri
  • Jaeryeong (재령; 載寧)
    • 1 eup : Jaeryeong
    • 10 myeon : Namryul, Bukryul, Samgang, Sangseong, Seoho, Sinwon, Eunryong, Jangsu, Cheongcheon, Haseong
  • Sincheon (신천; 信川)
    • 1 eup : Sincheon
    • 14 myeon : Garyeon, Gasan, Gungheung, Nambu, Nowol, Dura, Munmu, Munhwa, Bukbu, Sancheon, Oncheon, Yongmun, Yongjin, Chori
  • Songhwa (송화; 松禾)
    • 13 myeon : Songhwa, Punghae, Dowon, Bongrae, Sangri, Yeonbang, Yeonjeong, Unyu, Yulri, Jangyang, Jinpung, Cheondong
  • Eunyul (은율; 殷栗)
    • 7 myeon : Eunyul, Nambu, Bukbu, Seobu, Ildo, Ido, Jangryeon
  • Anak (안악; 安岳)
    • 1 eup : Anak
    • 8 myeon : Daewon, Daehaeng, Munsan, Seoha, Angok, Yongmun, Yongsun, Eunhong
  • Hwangju (황주; 黃州)
    • 1 eup : Hwangju
    • 11 myeon : Gurak, Guseong, Dochi, Samjeon, Yeongpung, Ingyo, Junam, Cheonju, Cheongryong, Cheongsu, Heukgyo
  • Suan (수안; 遂安)
    • 9 myeon : Suan, Gongpo, Daeseong, Daeo, Doso, Sugu, Yeonam, Yulgye, Cheongok
  • Goksan (곡산; 谷山)
    • 12 myeon : Goksan, Dohwa, Dongchon, Myeokmi, Bongmyeong, Sangdo, Seochon, Unjung, Iryeong, Cheonggye, Hado, Hwachon

North Pyeongan edit

North Pyeongan Province
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul평안북도
 • Hanja平安北道
 • Revised RomanizationPyeonganbuk-do
 
 
CapitalSinuiju
Subdivisions1 cities; 19 counties
Government
 • GovernorYang Jong-gwang
Area
 • Total28,442.9 km2 (10,981.9 sq mi)
 
Former flag of North Pyeongan Province (1949-2020)

North Pyeongan Province or Pyeonganbuk-do (Korean pronunciation: [pʰjʌŋanbukt͈o]) corresponds to North Korea's North Pyongan Province, almost all of Chagang Province and a small part of Ryanggang Province.

Pyeonganbuk-do is divided into 1 cities (si) and 19 counties (gun):

Cities:

Counties:

  • Euiju (Korean의주; Hanja義州)
    • 1 eup : Uiju
    • 12 myeon : Gasan, Gogwan, Goryeongsak, Goseong, Gwangpyeong, Bihyeon, Songjang, Sujin, Oksang, Wolhwa, Wiwon, Wihwa
  • Yongcheon (용천, 龍川)
    • 1 eup : Yongampo
    • 11 myeon : Dongha, Naejung, Dongsang, Bura, Bukjung, Yangseo, Yanggwang, Yangha, Oesang, Oeha, Sindo
  • Cheolsan (철산, 鐵山)
    • 6 myeon : Cheolsan, Baekryang, Buseo, Cham, Seorim, Yeohan
  • Seoncheon (선천, 宣川)
    • 1 eup : Seoncheon
    • 8 myeon : Gunsan, Nam, Unjong, Dong, Sucheong, Sinbu, Simcheon, Yongyeon, Taesan
  • Jeongju (정주, 定州)
    • 1 eup : Jeongju
    • 12 myeon : Galsan, Godeok, Goan, Gwaksan, Gwanju, Namseo, Daejeon, Deokeon, Masan, Anheung, Okcheon, Impo
  • Sakju (삭주, 朔州) (administrative center at Sakju-myeon)
    • 1 eup : Cheongsu
    • 7 myeon : Sakju, Gugok, Namseo, Sudong, Supung, Oenam, Yangsan
  • Guseong (구성, 龜城)
    • 10 myeon : Guseong, Gwanseo, Nodong, Dongsan, Banghyeon, Sagi, Seosan, Obong, Ihyeon, Cheonma
  • Yeongbyeon (영변, 寧邊)
    • 14 myeon : Yeongbyeon, Goseong, Namsong, Namsinhyeon, Doksan, Baekryeong, Bongsan, Buksinhyeon, Sorim, Yeonsan, Ori, Yongsan, Taepyeong, Palwon
  • Bakcheon (박천, 博川)
    • 1 eup : Bakcheon
    • 7 myeon : Gasan, Deokan, Dongnam, Seo, Yangga, Yonggye, Cheongryong
  • Taecheon (태천, 泰川)
    • 9 myeon : Taecheon, Gangdong, Gangseo, Nam, Dong, Seo, Seoseong, Won, Jangrim
  • Unsan (운산, 雲山) (administrative center at Unsan-myeon)
    • 1 eup : Bukjin
    • 4 myeon : Unsan, Dongsin, Seong, Wiyeon
  • Changseong (창성, 昌城)
    • 5 myeon : Changseong, Daechang, Dongchang, Sinchang, Cheongsan
  • Byeokdong (벽동, 碧潼)
    • 7 myeon : Byeokdong, Gabyeol, Gwonhoe, Seongnam, Songseo, Obuk, Usi
  • Chosan (초산, 楚山)
    • 9 myeon : Chosan, Gang, Go, Nam, Dowon, Dong, Song, Pan, Pung
  • Wiwon (위원, 渭原)
    • 7 myeon : Wiwon, Daedeok, Seotae, Bongsan, Sungjeong, Wisong, Hwachang
  • Heuicheon (희천, 熙川)
    • 1 eup : Heuicheon
    • 7 myeon : Nam, Dong, Dongchang, Buk, Seo, Sinpung, Jangdong, Jin
  • Ganggye (강계, 江界)
    • 2 eup : Ganggye, Manpo
    • 15 myeon : Ganbuk, Gosan, Gokha, Gongbuk, Seonggan, Sijung, Eoroe, Oegwi, Yongrim, Iseo, Ipgwan, Jeoncheon, Jongnam, Jongseo, Hwagyeong
  • Jaseong (자성, 慈城)
    • 6 myeon : Jaseong, Sampung, Ipyeong, Jaha, Jangto, Junggang
  • Huchang (후창, 厚昌)
    • 5 myeon : Huchang, Namsin, Dongheung, Dongsin, Chilpyeong

List of historic governors edit

  1. (1949~1970): Baek Yeong Eop (백영업, 白永燁)
  2. (1970~1979): Lee ha young (이하영, 李夏榮)
  3. (1979~May 1988): Lee Seok bong (이석봉, 李碩峰)
  4. (May 1988~December 1988): Ahn Chi Soon (안치순, 安致淳)
  5. (1989~March 1992): Kim Saseong (김사성, 金士檉)
  6. (1992~1998): Jang Jung ryol (장정렬, 張正烈)
  7. (1998~2000): Shim gi cheol (심기철, 沈基哲)
  8. (2000~2003): Paik Hyong rin (백형린, 白亨麟)
  9. (2003~2007): Cha in tae [ko] (차인태, 車仁泰)
  10. (2007~2009): Paik do woong (백도웅, 白道雄)
  11. (2009~2012): Paik young chul (백영철, 白永哲)
  12. (2012~2016): Paik gu seop (백구섭, 白九燮)
  13. (2016~2019): Kim Young chol (김영철, 金永哲)
  14. (2019~July 2022): O yeong chan (오영찬, 吳永瓚)

South Pyeongan edit

South Pyeongan Province
Korean transcription(s)
 • Hangul평안남도
 • Hanja平安南道
 • Revised RomanizationPyeongannam-do
 
 
CountryRepublic of Korea (claimed)
CapitalPyeongyang
Subdivisions2 cities; 14 counties
Government
 • GovernorCho Myeong-cheol
Area
 • Total14,944 km2 (5,770 sq mi)

South Pyeongan Province or Pyeongannam-do (Korean pronunciation: [pʰjʌŋan namdo]) corresponds to North Korea's South Pyongan Province, Pyongyang Directly Governed City and Nampo Special City.

Pyeongannam-do is divided into 2 cities (si) and 14 counties (gun):

Cities:

Counties:

  • Daedong (대동, 大同) (administrative center at Pyongyang)
    • 14 myeon : Gopyeong, Yongsan, Gimje, Daebo, Namhyeongjesan, Jaegyeongri, Yongak, Busan, Sijok, Imwon, Cheongryong, Yulri, Yongyeon, Namgot
  • Junghwa (중화, 中和)
    • 11 myeon : Junghwa, Gandong, Dangjeong, Dongdu, Sangwon, Susan, Sinheung, Yangjeong, Cheongok, Pungdong, Haeap
  • Gangseo (강서, 江西)
    • 14 myeon : Gangseo, Dongjin, Banseok, Borim, Seongam, Seongtae, Susan, Sinjeong, Ssangryong, Ingcha, Jeokseong, Jeungsan, Chori, Hamjong
  • Gangdong (강동, 江東)
    • 1 eup : Seungho
    • 5 myeon : Gangdong, Gocheon, Bongjin, Samdeung, Wontan
  • Yonggang (용강, 龍岡)
    • 13 myeon : Yonggang, Gwiseong, Geumgok, Dami, Daedae, Samhwa, Seohwa, Sinnyeong, Ynaggok, Osin, Yongwol, Jiun, Haeun
  • Suncheon (순천, 順川)
    • 1 eup : Suncheon
    • 8 myeon : Seonso, Sain, Hutan, Jasan, Naenam, Bukchang, Eunsan, Sinchang
  • Anju (안주, 安州)
    • 1 eup : Anju
    • 7 myeon : Daeni, Dong, Sin-Anju, Yeonho, Yonghwa, Ungok, Ipseok
  • Pyeongwon (평원, 平原)
    • 16 myeon : Pyongwon(Yeongyu), Geomsan, Gongdeok, Noji, Deoksan, Dongsong, Dongam, Seohae, Sukcheon, Sunan, Yanghwa, Yongho, Joun, Cheongsan, Hancheon, Haeso
  • Gaecheon (개천, 价川)
    • 1 eup : Gaecheon
    • 5 myeon : Bongdong, Buk, Joyang, Jungnam, Jungseo
  • Deokcheon (덕천, 德川)
    • 6 myeon : Deokcheon, Seongyang, Ilha, Jamdo, Jamsang, Pungdeok
  • Yeongwon (영원, 寧遠)
    • 9 myeon : Yeongwon, Daehung, Deokhwa, Seongryong, Sobaek, Sinseong, Yeongrak, Onhwa, Taegeuk
  • Maengsan (맹산, 孟山)
    • 8 myeon : Maengsan, Dong, Bongin, Aejeon, Okcheon, Wonnam, Jideok, Hakcheon
  • Yangdeok (양덕, 陽德)
    • 1 eup : Yangdeok
    • 6 myeon : Dongyang, Daeryun, Ssangryong, Ogang, Oncheon, Hwachon
  • Seongcheon (성천, 成川)
    • 12 myeon : Seongcheon, Guryong, Neungjung, Daegok, Daegu, Saga, Samdeok, Samheung, Sungin, Ssangryong, Yeongcheon, Tongseon

Southern provinces with territory in North Korea edit

Two South Korean provinces, Gyeonggi and Gangwon, officially have parts of their territory in North Korea. The South Korean government considers the governors of these two provinces the head of their entire province, including the parts in the North.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "South Korea's Governors of Northern Provinces Don't—And Never Will—Govern". The Wall Street Journal. March 17, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. ^ "Purpose/Function". The Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  3. ^ a b "South Korea's Governors-in-Theory for North Korea". The Wall Street Journal. March 18, 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.

External links edit