(also Pohaikuo, “state near the sea”), an early feudal state in northeastern Asia. It existed from the beginning of the eighth century through 926. It included the southern maritime region, southeastern Manchuria, and northeastern Korea. The basic populations included the Tungus tribes of Moho, the Koguryo people, and the Chinese—up to 100,000 families in all. They earned a living by farming, animal husbandry, silkworm raising, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts. There was also mining. A high level was achieved in working with iron and other metals. Pohai had political, commercial, and cultural ties with neighboring states, particularly with China and Japan. Pohai flourished most under Ta Ch’in Mao (738–94, the third of the 14 wans of Pohai). In 926 the state was defeated by the Khitan people.

a strait on the Yellow Sea, between the Liaotung and Shantung peninsulas. It connects the gulfs of Liaotung and Pohaiwan with the open sea. The width at the narrowest point is 105 km. The strait is up to 36 m deep. The current flows mainly in a southerly direction; its velocity is approximately 1 km/hr. Ports on the strait are Talien, Lüshun (Port Arthur), and Yent’ai.