Wonsan University of Agriculture

The Wonsan University of Agriculture was founded in 1948 and was the first of its kind in North Korea. It’s a prestigious nonprofit university established to train scientists in agricultural chemistry and production. It’s accredited by the North Korean Ministry of Education and has had a string of top local scientists as part of its graduates.

The university holds a fascinating history as it’s buildings were once the Territorial Abbey of Tokwon, an active Catholic monastery during pre-war times. Western architecture is extremely rare in North Korea and this is one of the only examples still standing! The site is adorned with a variety of trees, plants and flowers and overall resembles a botanical garden.

At the university, students engage in a diverse curriculum that encompasses farming, agricultural management economics, veterinary sciences, animal husbandry, and various other fields related to agriculture. All these subjects are taught within the context of the Juche ideology. There are faculties dedicated to areas of research, such as fisheries and fruits.

The university has a focus on developing strains and farming methods suitable to the local soil and weather conditions. Mechanisation techniques are also investigated in efforts to boost agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture is an ongoing task in North Korea as the arable land is limited and the months of winter render crops unable to grow. In recent years, the university has emphasised green energy such as wind and solar.

Foreign students are able to apply to the university and, if accepted, are taught Korean until they can integrate with the regular student body. They are housed in relatively new accommodation, a four-story dormitory that was built around 1980. Other buildings on campus include a library, administration buildings, and a greenhouse where Kim Jong Il once stood. The greenhouse is marked with a red triangle to indicate his presence, and he was known to visit the university often which has added to its prestige.

The campus is surrounded by dense trees, including a pine tree planted in 1890 that is still standing. The area is considered a state treasure by the North Korean government.