Sonchon is a kun, or county, on the coast of the Yellow Sea in west-central North Pyongan province, North Korea. To the north it borders Chonma, to the east Kusong and Kwaksan, and to the west Tongrim; to the south, it borders nothing but the sea. Sonchon was reorganized in 1952, with two myŏn, or townships, being split off to form the new county of Tongrim.

The terrain varies between hills and plains; numerous islands are also found along the indented coastline. The highest point is Kainbong (가인봉, 535 m), which is the source of the Tongrae River. The year-round average temperature is 8.5 °C, with a January average of -9.2 °C and an August average of 23.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1192 mm. The island of Sinmido hosts a peak of 532 m, Unjongsan, and is also home to a variety of plants normally found only in warm areas. Some 45% of the county's area is forestland.

The local economy relies on agriculture, including livestock-raising and sericulture, as well as fishing and manufacturing. Local crops include rice, maize, soybeans, tobacco, and soybeans. Factories in Sonchon manufacture ironware, ceramics, and tobacco products.

Sonchon is served by the Pyongui Line railroad, which runs between Pyongyang and Sinuiju. In addition, passenger ferry operates between Sinmido and the mainland.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was a hotbed of Protestant Christian religious activity, with more than 50 churches. There were also 13 Buddhist temples. These were all converted or destroyed following the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

References

See also

• Geography of North Korea
• Administrative divisions of North Korea
• North Pyongan

External links

• Pictures of Pyongan Province