West Sea Barrage Tourism

The West Sea Barrage, also known as the Nampo Dam, is a significant maritime structure located in Nampo, North Korea. Spanning approximately 8 kilometers across the Taedong River where it empties into the Yellow Sea, the barrage serves a variety of purposes. Constructed between 1981 and 1986, it was one of North Korea's most ambitious projects, aimed at controlling the inflow of saltwater and managing the river's water level for irrigation, flood control, and electricity generation. The barrage consists of three locks and 36 sluices, accommodating the transit of ships between Pyongyang and the West Sea. The locks allow vessels up to 50,000 tons to navigate the river. The project symbolizes North Korea's self-reliance philosophy known as 'Juche' and is often showcased by the government as a feat of engineering and an example of the country's ability to execute large-scale projects. The West Sea Barrage is occasionally opened to tourists, offering an insight into North Korean infrastructure and propaganda.