[5] From 1993 to 2004, it was administered separately from North Hamgyŏng as the directly governed city (chikhalsi) of Rason.

Rason borders Hunchun county in Jilin province of China and Khasansky District in Primorsky Krai of Russia.

The Korean People's Navy maintains a naval training base at the Rajin Port in the city of Rason.

Large oil tankers are spotted multiple times unloading at the Rajin port.

[2] Rason has a number of mineral resources within the locality, including coal, iron, magnesite, and clay.

[2] Rason is home to No 28 Shipyard Najin, a shipbuilder and supplier to the Korean People's Navy.