Kimchaek

(until 1951, Songjin), a city in northern Korea, in the Korean People’s Democratic Republic, in Hamgyong-Pukto province. Population, 87,200 (1960). It is a port on the ice-free bay of Songjinhang on the Sea of Japan and is a major center of ferrous metallurgy. Industry includes the production of ferroalloys, electric steel, and building materials; food-processing; and a shipyard. Magnesite and graphite are mined near Kimchaek. The city was renamed in honor of Kim Chaek.