city, western North Korea, located about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of P'yŏngyang, the national capital. P'yŏngsŏng is a new city built near the old provincial capital of Sain-ni, at a place formerly called Sainjang, once only a stop on the P'yŏngyang-Yŏnghŭng rail line. Industry in the late 20th century included chemicals and a large synthetic-leather factory, designated one of North Korea's major development projects. In addition to its administrative functions, P'yŏngsŏng is a scientific and cultural centre.