Kowŏn-ŭp Population 2026
Kowŏn-ŭp has a population of 21,490, making it the #84 biggest city in 🇰🇵 North Korea, located in South Hamgyong. Roughly 0.1% of North Korea's population lives here. It is about 150× smaller than Pyongyang, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
21,490
Rank in North Korea
#84
Coordinates
39.44°N, 127.24°E
~9 m elevation · Asia/Pyongyang
Distance to capital (Pyongyang)
136 km
84 miles, straight line
Other big cities in South Hamgyong
| City | Population | Rank in North Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Hamhŭng | 559,056 | #2 |
| Hŭngnam | 346,082 | #5 |
| Changam-ch’on | 207,299 | #16 |
| Sinp’o | 152,759 | #19 |
| Yuktae-dong | 76,427 | #40 |
| Hongwŏn | 70,923 | #41 |
| Iwŏn-ŭp | 26,364 | #77 |
| Yŏnggwang-ŭp | 21,882 | #82 |
Cities near Kowŏn-ŭp
FAQ
What is the population of Kowŏn-ŭp?
Kowŏn-ŭp has a population of 21,490 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #84 biggest city in North Korea.
What region is Kowŏn-ŭp in?
Kowŏn-ŭp is located in South Hamgyong, North Korea.
Is Kowŏn-ŭp the capital of North Korea?
No, the capital of North Korea is Pyongyang, about 136 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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