Nampo Dam

Nampo Dam
Satellite photograph showing the West Sea Barrage. The Taedong River flows from right to left and the city of Nampho is on the north bank of the river in the center of the image. The West Sea Barrage is to the left, at the mouth of the river.
Korean name
Chosŏn'gŭl	서해갑문
Hancha	西海閘門
Revised Romanization	Seohae Gapmun
McCune–Reischauer	Sŏhae Kapmun

The controversial Nampho Dam or West Sea Dam, also known as the West Sea Barrage, is a barrage located 15 km west of the special city of Nampho, North Korea. It is a huge, eight-kilometer-long system of dams, three lock chambers, and 36 sluices, allowing the passage of ships up to 50,000 tons. The dam closes the Taedong River off from the Yellow Sea. It was built from 1981 to 1986, with the resources of the whole country directed to this main construction project. The stated goal of the West Sea Dam was:

• The raising of the water level in the Taedong River and increased ship traffic;{{Fact}
• The prevention of seawater intrusion into the fresh water, thus solving the water supply problem;
• The irrigation of additional land, enlarging the arable territory of the region.

Foreign critics claim raising the Taedong river level has led to the loss of valuable farmland, contributing to North Korean famine.

The dam is considered a major accomplishment of North Korea. It is a commonly seen backdrop for North Korean television news broadcasts on KCNA, and is a stop for international tourists.

The locks are at geographical coordinates 38°41′N 125°10′E.

The dam's estimated total cost was $4 billion (US). [North Korea, Through the Looking Glass; Oh, Hassig, p53, 2000]