KUNSAN
Kunsan, one of the ports opened to foreign trade on the 1st May, 1899, is situated at the mouth of the Yong Dang River, which runs for many miles, forming the boundary line between the two provinces of Chulla-do and Chung-Chong-do, on the West Coast of Corea, and lies about halfway between Jenchuan and Mokpo. The two provinces referred to are so noted for their abundant supply of agricultural produce that they are called the magazines of the kingdom. The principal articles of export are rice, wheat, beans, different kinds of medicines, ox-hides, grasscloth, paper, bamboo articles, fans (both open and folding), screens and mats, bêche de mer, dried awabi, with various kinds of fish and seaweed.
The port itself was well known as the export station for the revenue rice, when the Government revenue was paid in rice and collected in this port for transmission to the capital. Among import goods, shirtings, lawns, cotton yarn, matches, kerosene oil, etc., had already found their way to the port prior to its opening for distribution to different markets. Rice is still largely exported from Kunsan, and Japanese farmers have been attracted in considerable numbers to this neighbourhood. No Europeans reside in the port, but there is a foreign Municipal Council consisting of three members--two Japanese and one Korean-and there is a separate Municipal Council for the Japanese Settlement.
SONG CHIN
城津
This port is situated on the north-eastern coast of Chosen (Corea,) in the province of North Ham-kiung, about 120 miles from Wonsan. It was opened to foreign trade on the 1st May, 1899. The native town is built close to the beach, and to judge by the ruins of walls and watch towers was once a fortified place. The settlement area includes the native town and extends beyond to the North. The native inhabitants number about 500. The next market place is about 30 li distant and up country, whilst the main road leading from Seoul to the Tumen river is at a distance of about 10 li. The Custom House is situated near the settlement on the neck of the small peninsula forming one side of the Song Chin bay. The Japanese, who number about 1,000, live in houses in the Japanese style of architecture built in the settlement, and are mostly small shopkeepers and coolies. The harbour is a bad one; indeed, it is little more than an open roadstead anchorage; from N.E. to S.E. it is quite exposed, and even with a moderate breeze from those quarters communication between ship and shore may have to be suspended. The anchorage is not spacious, though very easy of access, and vessels drawing 10 feet or so can lie within a quarter of a mile from the shore. Improved jetty accommodation has encouraged the visits of vessels to the port. Fogs prevail for the greater part of the year, and the temperature is moderate at all seasons. The country around Song Chin is well under cultivation, principally for beans. Within reasonable distances, it is said, gold, copper and coal may be found, also a very fine white granite. Hot springs, said to be very efficacious for a number of ailments, are at a distance of some 30 li from the settlement. Cattle are very fine and plentiful and can be bought at low rates. A number of Japanese fishing boats are employed along the coast, reaping a seemingly good harvest in bêche Trade is carried on by small coasting steamers, principally with the port of Wonsan. The exports chiefly consist of beans, cowhides, hemp cloth and bêche de mer, whilst cotton goods, kerosene oil, ironware and matches form the principal items of imports. This port shows a tendency to benefit at the expense of Wonsan. The trade amounts to about £50,000 a year. No Europeans reside in the port.
de mer.