Sariwon-class
North Korean gun corvette from the 1960s, based on a 1930s Soviet minesweeper design.
| Subtype | Corvette |
| Displacement | 650 tons |
| Width | 7.5 m (24.6 ft) |
| Length | 61.5 m (201.8 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 diesel engines |
| Range | 2700 km at 16 knots |
| Maximum speed | 16 knots |
- 4 × 57 mm guns (2 twin)
- 4 × 37 mm guns (2 twin)
- 16 × 14.5 mm machine guns (4 quad)
- 2 × depth charge rails
- Up to 30 mines
Description
The Sariwon-class is a group of North Korean corvettes whose design traces back to the Soviet Fugas (Tral) class fleet minesweepers of the 1930s. The ships were built in North Korea in the 1960s, likely at the Mayang-do or Bong Dao Bo shipyards near Sinpo, and around four to five were still assessed as active with the Korean People's Navy in the 2020s, stationed on the east coast.
Displacing about 650 tons at full load for a length of 61.5 meters, the ships are powered by two diesel engines for a modest 16 knots, with a range of 2,700 nautical miles. Armament is entirely gun-based: four 57 mm guns in twin mounts, four 37 mm guns, and sixteen 14.5 mm machine guns in quadruple mounts, complemented by depth charge rails and a minelaying capability of around 30 mines.
Despite their age and obsolescence, the Sariwon-class ships remain in service for coastal patrol and escort duties, illustrating the extreme longevity of hulls in the North Korean fleet.