Which capital city is located on the Taedong River?

Pyongyang is the capital city located on the Taedong River.

The Taedong River flows through Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital and largest city, before continuing southwest toward Korea Bay. The river is about 439 kilometers long, and Pyongyang lies roughly 109 kilometers upstream from its mouth. Its broad course has shaped the city’s geography, transport, and most recognizable waterfront landmarks.

Pyongyang is one of Korea’s oldest historic cities. It was associated with the ancient kingdom of Gojoseon and later became an important capital of Goguryeo. After North Korea was established in 1948, Pyongyang served as the country’s de facto capital; the 1972 Constitution formally designated it as the official capital.

The river is more than a geographic detail. Bridges, islands, parks, and monuments define the modern cityscape, including Yanggakdo Island and the Juche Tower. The Taedong is also navigable inland and has long supported trade and transport.

Readers sometimes confuse Pyongyang with Seoul, which lies on the Han River in South Korea. Tokyo and Beijing are also national capitals, but neither stands on the Taedong.