Vladivostok << `vlad` uh VOS tok >> (pop. 603,519) is Russia’s most important port on the Pacific Ocean. It lies in southeastern Siberia, near the North Korean and Chinese borders.
Vladivostok serves as headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet. It is a major international trading port. Many fishing fleets and fish canneries also are based there. The harbor is usually frozen between January and March, but icebreakers keep it open. Vladivostok marks the eastern end of the railroad line that crosses Siberia (see Trans-Siberian Railroad).
Russia founded Vladivostok in 1860 on territory annexed from China. In the 1870’s, the city became an imperial naval base. In 1958, during the period when Russia was part of the Soviet Union, Vladivostok was closed to foreigners. It reopened to foreign ships and visitors at the start of 1992.
