Directory_and_Chronicle_1900 — Page 569

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KUNSAN-SONG CHIN

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, and the importation of these goods has since steadily increased in such a way as to guarantee the future of Kunsan as a port of trade. Population: 1,200 Coreans, 150 Japanese and a few Chinese.

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CONSULATE JAPAN

Acting-Consul---K. Asayama Chancelier-I. Ochi

Police Inspector-T. Adachi 2 Constables

CUSTOMS

DIRECTORY

Assnt.-in-charge-S. K. Nakabayashi Tidewaiter-N. Umemoto

Weigher-Wang Say Foo

FOREIGN RESIDENTS

Dr.and Mrs. A. D. Drew Rev. and Mrs. W. M. Junkin

JAPANESE MERCHANTS

Hori & Co. (steamship agents) Kiya & Co. Natsume & Co. Ohsawa & Co.

T. Sato, manager

SONG CHIN

城津

This port is situated on the north-eastern coast of 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 will occupy the native town and extend beyond to the North. The native inhabitants number about 500. The next market place is about 40 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. Of foreigners there are some 40 Japanese living as yet in Corean houses; they 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. 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 bicho de mar. Trade is carried on by small coasting steamers, principally with the port of Wonsan. The exports chiefly consist of beans, cowhides and bicho de mar, whilst cotton goods, kerosene oil and matches form the principal items of imports.

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CONSULATE-

JAPAN

Vice-Consul-Kubo

DIRECTORY

CUSTOMS-

Actg.-Commr.-J. F. Oiesen (Wonsan) Tidewaiter--Y. Fujisaki