Mangyongbong 92, A North Korean Ferry

Port of Niigata, Japan

You see the the Mangyongbong 92 (left) and 3 jetfoils of the Sado Kisen (centre).

Mangyongbong 92

The Mangyongbong 92 was built in 1992 to celebrate the North Korean leader, Kim Il Song's 80th birthday. The Mangyongbong is named after the hill near Pyongyang. She plies between Niigata (Japan) and Wonsan (N. Korea) twice a month for the North Korean residents in Japan.

This ship is said to have been a spy ship or something with a military sonar. One of the most unique ferries in the world.

[Built by an unknown builder in Chongjin, North Korea, 1992. 9,672gt; 162.1m long; 20.5m wide. 2 Disels geared to twin screw. Service speed 23 knots. 220 passengers.]

The Shin Nihonkai Ferry's Yuukari (left) and the Mangyongbong 92 (centre) on the River Shinano.

The midi file you hear is the Song of the General Kim Il Song. This song is heard everywhere in North Korea.

Mangyongbong 92

04/08/01