Wonsan is a port city and naval base located in Kangwon Province, North Korea, on the westernmost shore of the Sea of Japan (East Korean Sea) and the provincial capital. The port was opened by occupying Japanese forces in 1880. Before the Korean War (19501953), it fell within the jurisdiction of the then South Hamgyong province, and during that war, it was the location of the Blockade of Wonsan. The population of the city was estimated at 331,000 in 2000. Notable people from Wonsan include Kim Ki Nam, diplomat and Secretary of the Korean Workers' Party. Economically, the city is home to several major factories.