Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces

Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces

이북5도위원회
Emblem
Flag
Agency overview
Type	Government body under the South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety
Jurisdiction	Government of South Korea
Headquarters	64 Bibong-gil, Jongno, Seoul
Agency executives	Kee Duck-young, Chairman, also Governor of Hwanghae Province Yi Se-oong, Governor of North Pyeongan Province Jeong Jyeong-jo, Governor of South Pyeongan Province Ji Seong-ho, Governor of North Hamgyeong Province Son Yang-young, Governor of South Hamgyeong Province
Parent department	Ministry of the Interior and Safety
Website	www.ibuk5do.go.kr
Map
Map of North Korea with provincial divisions claimed by South Korea

The Committee for the Five northern Korean Provinces (Korean: 이북5도위원회; Hanja: 以北五道委員會, literally "The North's Five Provinces Committee"^{[note 1]}) is a South Korean government body under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Established in 1949, the committee is officially responsible for the administration of the five Korean provinces located entirely north of the 38th Parallel, also known as the Military Demarcation Line, as the South Korean government formally claims to be the sole legitimate government of the entirety of the Korean Peninsula. The South Korean government does not officially recognize any changes to the borders of the northern provinces made by the North Korean government since its establishment back in 1949. The President of South Korea appoints governors for each of the five provinces.^[2] However, their role is largely symbolic (comparable to titular bishops), as the territory is under the effective jurisdiction of North Korea. The committee's main practical function is to provide support to North Korean defectors living in South Korea, including helping with the resettlement of North Koreans and organizing social events for North Koreans.^[2][3]

Despite its name, the committee plays no part in North Korea–South Korea relations; North Korean affairs are handled by the Ministry of Unification.^[2] In the event of a North Korean collapse, contingency plans call for a new government body to be set up to administer the North under the leadership of the Unification Minister. In that case, the five governors would have to resign and the committee would be disbanded.^[2][4]

North Hamgyeong Province
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	함경북도
• Hanja	咸鏡北道
• Revised Romanization	Hamgyeongbuk-do
Flag
Capital	Cheongjin
Subdivisions	3 cities; 11 counties
Government
• Governor	Ji Seong-ho
Area
• Total	20,345 km2 (7,855 sq mi)

North Hamgyeong Province or Hamgyeongbuk-do (Korean pronunciation: [hamɡjʌŋbukt͈o]) corresponds to North Korea's North Hamgyong Province, Rason Special City and part of Ryanggang Province.

Hamgyeongbuk-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 11 counties (gun):

Cities:

• Cheongjin (청진; 淸津)
  • 60 dong
• Najin (나진, 羅津)
  • 80 dong
• Seongjin (성진, 城津)
  • 11 dong

Counties:

• Gyeongseong (경성, 鏡城) (administrative center at Gyeongseong-myeon)
  • 2 eup : Jueul, Eodaejin
  • 4 myeon : Gyeongseong, Eorang, Jubuk, Junam
• Myeongcheon (명천, 明川) (administrative center at Sangwubuk-myeon)
  • 10 myeon : Sangwubuk, Dong, Sangga, Sanggo, Sangwunam, Seo, Agan, Haga, Hago, Hawu
• Gilju (길주, 吉州)
  • 1 eup : Gilju
  • 5 myeon : Deoksan, Donghae, Yangsa, Ungpyeong, Jangbaek
• Hakseong (학성, 鶴城) (administrative center at Seongjin)
  • 5 myeon : Hakseo, Hakdong, Hakjung, Haknam, Haksang
• Buryeong (부령, 富寧)
  • 8 myeon : Buryeong, Gwanhae, Bugeo, Samhae, Seosang, Seokmak, Yeoncheon, Cheongam
• Musan (무산, 茂山)
  • 1 eup : Musan
  • 9 myeon : Dong, Samjang, Samsa, Seoha, Eoha, Yeonsa, Yeonsang, Yeongbuk, Punggye
• Hoenyeong (회녕, 會寧)
  • 1 eup : Hoenyeong
  • 6 myeon : Byeokseong, Boeul, Yongheung, Changdu, Paleul, Hwapyeong
• Jongseong (종성, 鍾城)
  • 6 myeon : Jongseong, Namsan, Yonggye, Punggok, Haengyeong, Hwabang
• Onseong (온성, 穩城)
  • 6 myeon : Onseong, Namyang, Mipo, Yeongwa, Yeongchung, Hunyung
• Gyeongwon (경원, 慶源)
  • 6 myeon : Gyeongwon, Dongwon, Asan, Annong, Yongdeok, Yudeok
• Gyeongheung (경흥, 慶興) (administrative center at Unggi-eup)
  • 2 eup : Unggi, Aoji
  • 3 myeon : Gyeonghung, Punghae, Noseo

South Hamgyeong Province
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	함경남도
• Hanja	咸鏡南道
• Revised Romanization	Hamgyeongnam-do
Flag
Capital	Hamheung
Subdivisions	3 cities; 16 counties
Government
• Governor	Son Yang-young
Area
• Total	31,977 km2 (12,346 sq mi)

South Hamgyeong Province (Korean: 함경남도, Hamgyeongnam-do) (Korean pronunciation: [hamɡjʌŋnamdo]) corresponds to North Korea's South Hamgyong Province, as well as parts of Ryanggang Province, Chagang Province, Kangwon Province and China's Jilin Province (several parts of Hyesan County (Heaven Lake) are under the rule of China, and other parts of same county are claimed by the Republic of China).

Hamgyeongnam-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 16 counties (gun):

Cities:

• Hamheung (함흥; 咸興)
  • 78 dong
• Heungnam (흥남, 興南)
  • 75 dong
• Wonsan (원산, 元山)
  • 88 dong

Counties:

• Hamju (함주, 咸州) (administrative center at Hamheung)
  • 16 myeon : Gigok, Deoksan, Dongcheon, Sampyeong, Sanggicheon, Sangjoyang, Seondeok, Yeonpo, Jubuk, Juseo, Juji, Cheonseo, Cheonwon, Toejo, Hagicheon, Hajoyang
• Sinheung (신흥, 新興)
  • 8 myeon : Sinheung, Gapyeong, Sangwoncheon, Seogocheon, Yeonggo, Wonpyeong, Hawoncheon, Dongsang
• Jeongpyeong (정평, 定平)
  • 8 myeon : Chongpyong, Gosan, Gwangdeok, Gwirim, Munsan, Sinsang, Jangwon, Jui
• Yeongheung (영흥, 永興)
  • 1 eup : Yeongheung
  • 11 myeon : Goryeong, Deokheung, Seonheung, Sunryeong, Eokgi, Yodeok, Inheung, Jangheung, Jinpyeong, Hodo, Heongcheon
• Gowon (고원, 高原)
  • 1 eup : Gowon
  • 5 myeon : Gunnae, Sangok, Sangsan, Sudong, Ungok
• Muncheon (문천, 文川) (administrative center at Muncheon-myeon)
  • 1 eup : Cheonnae
  • 7 myeon : Muncheon, Deokwon, Myeonggu, Bukseong, Unrim, Pungsang, Pungha
• Anbyeon (안변, 安邊)
  • 7 myeon : Anbyeon, Ando, Seokwangsa, Baehwa, Seogok, Singosan, Sinmo
• Hongwon (홍원, 洪原)
  • 1 eup : Hongwon
  • 6 myeon : Gyeongwun, Bohyeon, Samho, Yongwon, Yongpo, Unhak
• Bukcheong (북청, 北靑)
  • 3 eup : Bukcheong, Sinpo, Sinchang
  • 11 myeon : Gahoe, Geosan, Deokseong, Sanggeoseo, Seongdae, Sokhu, Sin-Bukcheong, Yanghwa, Igok, Hageoseo, Huchang
• Iwon (이원, 利原) (administrative center at Iwon-myeon)
  • 1 eup : Chaho
  • 3 myeon : Iwon, Dong, Namsong
• Dancheon (단천, 端川)
  • 1 eup : Dancheon
  • 8 myeon : Gwangcheon, Damduil, Bokgwi, Bukdoil, Suha, Sinman, Ijung, Hada
• Jangjin (장진, 長津)
  • 7 myeon : Jangjin, Dongmun, Dongha, Buk, Sangnam, Seohan, Jungnam
• Pungsan (풍산, 豐山)
  • 5 myeon : Pungsan, Ansan, Ansu, Ungyi, Cheonnam
• Samsu (삼수, 三水)
  • 7 myeon : Samsu, Geumsu, Gwanheung, Samseo, Sinpa, Jaseo, Hoin
• Gapsan (갑산, 甲山)
  • 5 myeon : Gapsan, Dongin, Jindong, Sannam, Hoerin
• Hyesan (혜산, 惠山)
  • 1 eup : Hyesan
  • 5 myeon : Daejin, Byeoldong, Bocheon, Bongdu, Unheung

Hwanghae Province
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	황해도
• Hanja	黃海道
• Revised Romanization	Hwanghae-do
Flag
Capital	Haeju
Subdivisions	3 cities; 17 counties
Government
• Governor	Kee Duck-young
Area
• Total	16,743.66 km2 (6,464.76 sq mi)

Hwanghae Province or Hwanghae-do (Korean pronunciation: [hwaŋ.hɛ.do]) corresponds to North Korea's North Hwanghae Province (except Kaesong which is claimed to be part of Gyeonggi Province) and South Hwanghae Province.

Hwanghae-do is divided into 3 cities (si) and 17 counties (gun):

Cities:

• Haeju (Korean: 해주; Hanja: 海州)
  • 21 dong
• Sariwon (사리원; 沙里院)
  • 12 dong
• Songnim (송림; 松林)
  • 28 dong

Counties:

• Byeokseong (벽성; 碧城) (administrative center at Haeju)
  • 20 myeon : Gajwa, Geomdan, Gosan, Nadeok, Daegeo, Donggang, Miyul, Seoseok, Songrim, Unsan, Wolrok, Janggok, Haenam, Geumsan, Naesong, Dongun, Yeongcheon, Ilsin, Cheongryong, Chuhwa
• Yeonbaek (연백; 延白)
  • 1 eup : Yeonan
  • 19 myeon : Gwaegung, Geumsan, Dochon, Mokdan, Bongbuk, Bongseo, Seoksan, Songbong, Onjeong, Yongdo, Unsan, Yugok, Euncheon, Haeryong, Haeseong, Haewol, Honam, Hodong, Hwaseong
• Ongjin (옹진; 甕津)
  • 1 eup : Ongjin
  • 10 myeon : Gacheon, Gyojeong, Dongnam, Bonggu, Bumin, Buk, Seo, Yongyeon, Yongcheon, Heungmi
• Jangyeon (장연; 長淵)
  • 1 eup : Jangyeon
  • 9 myeon : Nakdo, Daegu, Mokgam, Sokdal, Suntaek, Sinhwa, Yongyeon, Haean, Hunam
• Geumcheon (금천; 金川)
  • 12 Myeon : Geumcheon, Godong, Gui, Sanoe, Seobuk, Seocheon, Oeryu, Ubong, Ungdeok, Jwa, Tosan, Habtan
• Singye (신계; 新溪)
  • 8 myeon : Singye, Go, Dami, Dayul, Maseo, Saji, Jeokyeo, Chon
• Pyeongsan (평산; 平山)
  • 1 eup : Namcheon
  • 13 myeon : Pyongsan, Goji, Geumam, Masan, Munmu, Sangwol, Seobong, Segok, Sinam, Anseong, Yongsan, Insan, Jeokam
• Bongsan (봉산; 鳳山) (administrative center at Sariwon)
  • 13 myeon : Guyeon, Gicheon, Deokjae, Dongseon, Mancheon, Munjeong, Sain, Sansu, Seojeong, Ssangsan, Yeongcheon, Chowa, Toseong
• Seoheung (서흥; 瑞興)
  • 1 eup : Sinmak
  • 10 myeon : Seoheung, Gupo, Naedeok, Do, Maeyang, Mokgam, Sepyeong, Sosa, Yongpyeong, Yulri
• Jaeryeong (재령; 載寧)
  • 1 eup : Jaeryeong
  • 10 myeon : Namryul, Bukryul, Samgang, Sangseong, Seoho, Sinwon, Eunryong, Jangsu, Cheongcheon, Haseong
• Sincheon (신천; 信川)
  • 1 eup : Sincheon
  • 14 myeon : Garyeon, Gasan, Gungheung, Nambu, Nowol, Dura, Munmu, Munhwa, Bukbu, Sancheon, Oncheon, Yongmun, Yongjin, Chori
• Songhwa (송화; 松禾)
  • 13 myeon : Songhwa, Punghae, Dowon, Bongrae, Sangri, Yeonbang, Yeonjeong, Unyu, Yulri, Jangyang, Jinpung, Cheondong
• Eunyul (은율; 殷栗)
  • 7 myeon : Eunyul, Nambu, Bukbu, Seobu, Ildo, Ido, Jangryeon
• Anak (안악; 安岳)
  • 1 eup : Anak
  • 8 myeon : Daewon, Daehaeng, Munsan, Seoha, Angok, Yongmun, Yongsun, Eunhong
• Hwangju (황주; 黃州)
  • 1 eup : Hwangju
  • 11 myeon : Gurak, Guseong, Dochi, Samjeon, Yeongpung, Ingyo, Junam, Cheonju, Cheongryong, Cheongsu, Heukgyo
• Suan (수안; 遂安)
  • 9 myeon : Suan, Gongpo, Daeseong, Daeo, Doso, Sugu, Yeonam, Yulgye, Cheongok
• Goksan (곡산; 谷山)
  • 12 myeon : Goksan, Dohwa, Dongchon, Myeokmi, Bongmyeong, Sangdo, Seochon, Unjung, Iryeong, Cheonggye, Hado, Hwachon

North Pyeongan Province
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	평안북도
• Hanja	平安北道
• Revised Romanization	Pyeonganbuk-do
Flag
Capital	Sinuiju
Subdivisions	1 cities; 19 counties
Government
• Governor	Yi Se-oong
Area
• Total	28,442.9 km2 (10,981.9 sq mi)

North Pyeongan Province or Pyeonganbuk-do (Korean pronunciation: [pʰjʌŋanbukt͈o]) corresponds to North Korea's North Pyongan Province, almost all of Chagang Province and a small part of Ryanggang Province.

Pyeonganbuk-do is divided into 1 cities (si) and 19 counties (gun):

Cities:

• Sineuiju (Korean: 신의주; Hanja: 新義州)
  • 86 dong

Counties:

• Euiju (Korean: 의주; Hanja: 義州)
  • 1 eup : Uiju
  • 12 myeon : Gasan, Gogwan, Goryeongsak, Goseong, Gwangpyeong, Bihyeon, Songjang, Sujin, Oksang, Wolhwa, Wiwon, Wihwa
• Yongcheon (용천, 龍川)
  • 1 eup : Yongampo
  • 11 myeon : Dongha, Naejung, Dongsang, Bura, Bukjung, Yangseo, Yanggwang, Yangha, Oesang, Oeha, Sindo
• Cheolsan (철산, 鐵山)
  • 6 myeon : Cheolsan, Baekryang, Buseo, Cham, Seorim, Yeohan
• Seoncheon (선천, 宣川)
  • 1 eup : Seoncheon
  • 8 myeon : Gunsan, Nam, Unjong, Dong, Sucheong, Sinbu, Simcheon, Yongyeon, Taesan
• Jeongju (정주, 定州)
  • 1 eup : Jeongju
  • 12 myeon : Galsan, Godeok, Goan, Gwaksan, Gwanju, Namseo, Daejeon, Deokeon, Masan, Anheung, Okcheon, Impo
• Sakju (삭주, 朔州) (administrative center at Sakju-myeon)
  • 1 eup : Cheongsu
  • 7 myeon : Sakju, Gugok, Namseo, Sudong, Supung, Oenam, Yangsan
• Guseong (구성, 龜城)
  • 10 myeon : Guseong, Gwanseo, Nodong, Dongsan, Banghyeon, Sagi, Seosan, Obong, Ihyeon, Cheonma
• Yeongbyeon (영변, 寧邊)
  • 14 myeon : Yeongbyeon, Goseong, Namsong, Namsinhyeon, Doksan, Baekryeong, Bongsan, Buksinhyeon, Sorim, Yeonsan, Ori, Yongsan, Taepyeong, Palwon
• Bakcheon (박천, 博川)
  • 1 eup : Bakcheon
  • 7 myeon : Gasan, Deokan, Dongnam, Seo, Yangga, Yonggye, Cheongryong
• Taecheon (태천, 泰川)
  • 9 myeon : Taecheon, Gangdong, Gangseo, Nam, Dong, Seo, Seoseong, Won, Jangrim
• Unsan (운산, 雲山) (administrative center at Unsan-myeon)
  • 1 eup : Bukjin
  • 4 myeon : Unsan, Dongsin, Seong, Wiyeon
• Changseong (창성, 昌城)
  • 5 myeon : Changseong, Daechang, Dongchang, Sinchang, Cheongsan
• Byeokdong (벽동, 碧潼)
  • 7 myeon : Byeokdong, Gabyeol, Gwonhoe, Seongnam, Songseo, Obuk, Usi
• Chosan (초산, 楚山)
  • 9 myeon : Chosan, Gang, Go, Nam, Dowon, Dong, Song, Pan, Pung
• Wiwon (위원, 渭原)
  • 7 myeon : Wiwon, Daedeok, Seotae, Bongsan, Sungjeong, Wisong, Hwachang
• Heuicheon (희천, 熙川)
  • 1 eup : Heuicheon
  • 7 myeon : Nam, Dong, Dongchang, Buk, Seo, Sinpung, Jangdong, Jin
• Ganggye (강계, 江界)
  • 2 eup : Ganggye, Manpo
  • 15 myeon : Ganbuk, Gosan, Gokha, Gongbuk, Seonggan, Sijung, Eoroe, Oegwi, Yongrim, Iseo, Ipgwan, Jeoncheon, Jongnam, Jongseo, Hwagyeong
• Jaseong (자성, 慈城)
  • 6 myeon : Jaseong, Sampung, Ipyeong, Jaha, Jangto, Junggang
• Huchang (후창, 厚昌)
  • 5 myeon : Huchang, Namsin, Dongheung, Dongsin, Chilpyeong

1. Baek Yeong-eop (백영업, 白永燁; 1949–1970)
2. Lee Ha-young (이하영, 李夏榮, 1970–1979)
3. Lee Seok-bong (이석봉, 李碩峰; 1979 – May 1988)
4. Ahn Chi-soon (안치순, 安致淳; May – December 1988)
5. Kim Sa-seong (김사성, 金士檉; 1989 – March 1992)
6. Jang Jung-ryol (장정렬, 張正烈; 1992–1998)
7. Shim Gi-cheol (심기철, 沈基哲; 1998–2000)
8. Paik Hyong-rin (백형린, 白亨麟; 2000–2003)
9. Cha In-tae [ko] (차인태, 車仁泰; 2003–2007)
10. Paik Do-woong (백도웅, 白道雄; 2007–2009)
11. Paik Young-chul (백영철, 白永哲; 2009–2012)
12. Paik Gu-seop (백구섭, 白九燮;(2012–2016)
13. Kim Young-chol (김영철, 金永哲; 2016–2019)
14. Oh Yeong-chan (오영찬, 吳永瓚; 2019 – July 2022)
15. Yi Se-oong (이세웅; July 2022 – present)

South Pyeongan Province
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	평안남도
• Hanja	平安南道
• Revised Romanization	Pyeongannam-do
Flag
Country	Republic of Korea (claimed)
Capital	Pyeongyang
Subdivisions	2 cities; 14 counties
Government
• Governor	Jeong Jyeong-jo
Area
• Total	14,944 km2 (5,770 sq mi)

South Pyeongan Province or Pyeongannam-do (Korean pronunciation: [pʰjʌŋannamdo]) corresponds to North Korea's South Pyongan Province, Pyongyang Directly Governed City and Nampo Special City.

Pyeongannam-do is divided into 2 cities (si) and 14 counties (gun):

Cities:

• Pyeongyang (평양; 平壤)
  • 91 dong
• Jinnampo (진남포, 鎭南浦)
  • 11 dong

Counties:

• Daedong (대동, 大同) (administrative center at Pyongyang)
  • 14 myeon : Gopyeong, Yongsan, Gimje, Daebo, Namhyeongjesan, Jaegyeongri, Yongak, Busan, Sijok, Imwon, Cheongryong, Yulri, Yongyeon, Namgot
• Junghwa (중화, 中和)
  • 11 myeon : Junghwa, Gandong, Dangjeong, Dongdu, Sangwon, Susan, Sinheung, Yangjeong, Cheongok, Pungdong, Haeap
• Gangseo (강서, 江西)
  • 14 myeon : Gangseo, Dongjin, Banseok, Borim, Seongam, Seongtae, Susan, Sinjeong, Ssangryong, Ingcha, Jeokseong, Jeungsan, Chori, Hamjong
• Gangdong (강동, 江東)
  • 1 eup : Seungho
  • 5 myeon : Gangdong, Gocheon, Bongjin, Samdeung, Wontan
• Yonggang (용강, 龍岡)
  • 13 myeon : Yonggang, Gwiseong, Geumgok, Dami, Daedae, Samhwa, Seohwa, Sinnyeong, Ynaggok, Osin, Yongwol, Jiun, Haeun
• Suncheon (순천, 順川)
  • 1 eup : Suncheon
  • 8 myeon : Seonso, Sain, Hutan, Jasan, Naenam, Bukchang, Eunsan, Sinchang
• Anju (안주, 安州)
  • 1 eup : Anju
  • 7 myeon : Daeni, Dong, Sin-Anju, Yeonho, Yonghwa, Ungok, Ipseok
• Pyeongwon (평원, 平原)
  • 16 myeon : Pyongwon(Yeongyu), Geomsan, Gongdeok, Noji, Deoksan, Dongsong, Dongam, Seohae, Sukcheon, Sunan, Yanghwa, Yongho, Joun, Cheongsan, Hancheon, Haeso
• Gaecheon (개천, 价川)
  • 1 eup : Gaecheon
  • 5 myeon : Bongdong, Buk, Joyang, Jungnam, Jungseo
• Deokcheon (덕천, 德川)
  • 6 myeon : Deokcheon, Seongyang, Ilha, Jamdo, Jamsang, Pungdeok
• Yeongwon (영원, 寧遠)
  • 9 myeon : Yeongwon, Daehung, Deokhwa, Seongryong, Sobaek, Sinseong, Yeongrak, Onhwa, Taegeuk
• Maengsan (맹산, 孟山)
  • 8 myeon : Maengsan, Dong, Bongin, Aejeon, Okcheon, Wonnam, Jideok, Hakcheon
• Yangdeok (양덕, 陽德)
  • 1 eup : Yangdeok
  • 6 myeon : Dongyang, Daeryun, Ssangryong, Ogang, Oncheon, Hwachon
• Seongcheon (성천, 成川)
  • 12 myeon : Seongcheon, Guryong, Neungjung, Daegok, Daegu, Saga, Samdeok, Samheung, Sungin, Ssangryong, Yeongcheon, Tongseon

Two South Korean provinces, Gyeonggi and Gangwon, officially have parts of their territory in North Korea. The South Korean government considers the governors of these two provinces the head of their entire province, including the parts in the North.^[4]

• Gyeonggi Province – Gaeseong, Gaepung County & Jangdan County claimed
• Gangwon Province – from Kangwon province – Gimhwa County, Icheon County, Tongcheon County, Pyeonggang County and Hoeyang County claimed

• 
  Flag of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces (1949–2016)
• 
  Emblem of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces (1949–2016)
• 
  Former flag of North Pyeongan Province (1949–2019)

• Eight Provinces of Korea
• Korean reunification
• Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland

• Official website of the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces Archived 2016-08-08 at the Wayback Machine (in English)
• Hwanghae province residents central council