city, Kangwŏn do (province), north-central South Korea. Historically, its location in the eroded basin of the T'aebaek Mountains on the South Han River has been militarily strategic. After the Korean War (1950–53), it developed as a military base. Wŏnju, a transportation junction, is connected with Seoul, Pusan, and Taegu by rail and road and is a market and processing centre for forest products from the nearby mountains. Most of the city's other industries are related to military use. Traditional lacquerware from the vicinity, made with inlaid mother-of-pearl, is famous. Pop. (1995) 237,460.