Chosŏn'gŭl 서해갑문 Revised Romanization Seohae Gapmun | Hancha 西海閘門 McCune–Reischauer Sŏhae Kapmun Opened 1986 | |
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Similar International Friendship Exhibition, Juche Tower, Mansu Hill Grand Monument, Arch of Triumph, Grand People's Study Ho | ||
North korea west sea barrage a k a nampo dam
The Nampho Dam or West Sea Dam, also known as the West Sea Barrage, is a tidal barrage located 15 km west of the special city of Nampho, North Korea. It is a huge, eight-kilometer-long system of dams, three lock chambers, and 36 sluices, allowing the passage of ships up to 50,000 tons. The dam closes the Taedong River off from the Yellow Sea. It was built from 1981 to 1986, with the resources of the whole country directed to this main construction project. The stated goal of the dam was:
Foreign critics claim raising the Taedong river level has led to the loss of valuable farmland, contributing to the North Korean famine.
The dam is considered a major accomplishment of North Korea, and is a commonly seen backdrop for North Korean television news broadcasts from Korean Central News Agency. It is also a typical stop for tour groups of international tourists, for whom there is a visitor center on P'i Do island. There, films are shown in different languages about the construction of the dam and the locks.
The locks are at geographical coordinates 38°41′N 125°10′E.
The dam's estimated total cost was US$ 4 billion.