Kaesong, city, southern North Korea, coextensive with Kaesong District near Seoul, South Korea. An industrial and trade center, the city is famous for its porcelain. Grain and ginseng are grown in the area. Nearby to the southeast is P'anmunjom, site of the armistice negotiations ending the Korean War in 1953; in 1965 a freedom pavilion was built on the South Korean side of the border. Tombs of ancient kings are found in Kaesong, which was an ancient cultural center and the Korean capital from the 10th to the 14th century. It served as capital of the Koryo dynasty until 1392 and was sacked by the Mongols in 1231. Sometimes called Songdo, the city was known as Kaijo under Japanese rule (1910-45). Population (1993) 334,433.
