The city of Rason, located in the North Hamgyong Province of North Korea, serves as a significant seaport and is known for its distinctive regional cuisine that shares influences from both Korean and Russian cultures due to its geographic proximity to Russia. The food history of Rason is deeply entrenched in local traditions and the natural resources available in the region, including an abundance of seafood from the Sea of Japan (East Sea). With North Korea's strong adherence to its cultural heritage, Rason's culinary scene reflects traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations, often adjusted to make the most of the seasonal ingredients available.