Rason was annexed into North Hamgyong Province in 2004, but was later promoted back to special city in 2010 to help manage it for foreign investment.
Rasŏn a fost reunit cu Provincia Hamgyŏng de Nord în 2004, dar a fost promovat în 2010 înapoi la Oraș reglementat direct pentru a ajuta la administrarea investițiilor străine.