Directory_and_Chronicle_1907 — Page 717

Directories & Chronicles 香港指南 All

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 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. Of foreigners there are about 100. The Japanese live in their own houses 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 de mer.

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. The trade returns of the port for 1904 and 1905 practically disappeared owing to the war. The imports were valued at only £1,205 in 1904, and £351 in 1905, and the exports which were nil in 1904 amounted in 1905 to £445. The respective values in 1903 were £20,007 and £20,363.

Directory_and_Chronicle_1907 — Page 717

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