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Munch'on Naval Base
Wonsan

The Munch'on Naval Base is located on the east coast within the bay of Yonghung-man, and is part of the large maritime complex centered on the port of Wonsan. The naval facility is located 11 miles north of Wonsan, in an improved natural coastal harbor. The base is one of the largest in North Korea, and is the headquarters of the East Sea Fleet.

Facilities include ordnance, supply, barracks, and quarters, communications, medical, and miscellaneous facilities. Munch'on Naval Facility East, 1/12 miles NE of the main base, was activated in 1968 for berthing and repair of missile patrol boats. In 1970, the shipyard was reported to have one 230x80 foot graving dock, three 120 foot and three 175 foot buildings and repair ways served by a 420 foot marine railway. The small boatyard at Naval Facility East had one 150 foot building and repair way served by a 200 foot marine railway.

The harbor for the naval base covers a 1 square mile area with central depths ranging from 7 to 33 feet. The approach through the Yonghung-man is deep and clear. The only controlling factor is the depths at the wharves, estimated at 25 ft. at the main base and 10 ft. at Naval Base East. Tides are negligible (less than 1 foot). Ice may occur in December or January, but it seldom interrupts navigation.

Deep anchorage with adequate protection for large numbers of vessels is available in the Yonghung-man. Within the naval base proper, anchorage is limited, and berthing facilities alongside are designed for smaller naval combatants. In 1970, the base was assessed to have 2 destroyer-sized and 19 smaller berths. Principal wharfage is estimated at 3575 feet. At least 5 POL tanks of unknown capacity are available at the base. Clearance is provided by one road that connects the base to Wonsan, as well as a single-track, standard-gage rail line.

The port of Wonsan, the heart of the Yonghung-man maritime complex, is North Korea's largest and best natural harbor. The industrial and transportation facilities were heavily damaged during the Korean War, but in the intervening years the reconstruction process has made Wonsan a principal transportation hub, a major shipbuilding and repair center, and a site for production of railroad rolling stock and other products.